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Love Truths from the Bible. 



BY 



Rev. W. H. FENTRESS. 



" Set me as a seal upon thine heart, as a seal upon thine arm : 
for love is strong as death.' 1 ' 1 — Solomon's Song viii : 6. 




V<> 1879. ^ 



BALTIMORE: 

CUSHINGS & BAILEY. 

1879. 



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Entered according to the Act of Congress in the year 1879, 

By Rev. W. H. Fentress, 
In the Office of the Librarian of Congress, Washington, D. C. 



PRINTED KY WILLIAM K. BOYLE. 



PREFACE. 

There are better books than ours ; books more 
interesting, more instructive, more productive of 
good : but should it therefore not have been writ- 
ten? "The eye cannot say unto the hand, I have 
no need of thee : nor again the head to the feet, I 
have no need of you." There are gems less valu- 
able than the diamond, and flowers less beautiful 
than the rose. What is contained in this volume, 
may be no gem of value, no flower of beauty, and 
of silver and gold there may be none ; but such as 
was ours, has been given. If the writing be infe- 
rior, at least do not condemn the writer who, like 
the woman anointing Christ for burial, has done 
what he could in a spirit of love for the Master, 
and therefore should be much forgiven. 

The Creator has not left his creatures without a 
revelation ; the Lord has not left his servants with- 
out a commandment ; the Father has not left his 
children without an expression of care ; the Bride- 
groom, to whom we have been betrothed " forever 
in righteousness, judgment, loving kindness, mer- 
cies and faithfulness," has not left his bride without 
a message of love. And from this revelation, 
this commandment, this expression of care, this 
message of love a few truths have been chosen, that 
are encouraging to the soul, precious in our own 
experience and doubtless in the experience of 
others. We ask you to give them attention, to 



IV PREFACE. 

study their meaning, to accept them in their full 
value, to cherish them as assurances from God — 
that with his children it is well ; and it may also 
be, that our consideration of them has not been in 
vain. 

" God hath chosen the foolish things of the world 
to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak 
things of the world to confound the things which 
are mighty." May we not be the humble instru- 
ment to accomplish some divine purpose ? What 
rejoicing would be ours, if permitted to be of service 
in the Lord's vineyard! " The words of the wise 
are as goads, as nails fastened by the masters of 
assemblies." No claim is made to wisdom in the 
production of this work ; yet its preparation was 
not without much reflection, much solicitude, much 
anxious prayer; and it is sent forth with a fond 
hope and an earnest petition to God, that it will 
not return void, and that the Great Master of assem- 
blies will use it to some good. If in any way a 
soul be helped in the Christian life by a thought or 
reflection herein expressed, it will be more than a 
compensation for any labor of ours, and we shall 
have more cause than ever to render thanks unto 
God who, in the last day, will have a special reward 
for those instrumental in the salvation of others. 

What truth is so grand and comforting as — God 
is lovef and where, in sacred, x>r profane literature, 
can be found a fact of such importance to helpless 
humanity? It is therefore written ; "Set me as a 
seal upon thine heart, as a seal upon thine arm ; 
for love is strong as" death : the coals thereof are 
coals of fire, which hath a most vehement flame. 
Many waters cannot quench love, neither can the 



PREFACE. T 

floods drown it : " and to know this love of God, is 
to know " the exceeding greatness of his power 
to us-ward who believe." We thus learn the 
character of the divine nature — as abounding with 
affection, and that the objects of its care are the 
human creatures of earth. In this fact originate 
the subjects of this volume, hence the name — Love 
Truths from the Bible. 

If we may express our hope, dear reader, it is — 
that Love Truths from the Bible may have a place 
in your affections, to the influencing of life and 
character and to the bringing forth of fruit to 
the glory of God ; if not for its value, at least 
because of its aim to magnify divine love. Not to 
your intellect, but to' your honest heart it is there- 
fore commissioned ; with the single request — that 
it be read as it has been written, with the desire to 
realize, in its fullness, the Saviour's devotion to 
those consecrated to His service. 

"May the Lord direct your heart into the love of 
God, and into the patient waiting for Christ." 

Now these sermons have been delivered from the 
pulpit, and some of our readers were present on 
those occasions. You remember how you clasped 
our hand when the service was over, speaking words 
of encouragement and friendship, that are still 
treasured in our memory and heart. Wearied by 
the work of the hour, and fearful lest the preaching 
had been to no effect, your expressions of regard 
were a source of re-assurance, of consolation, of 
strength. There are those met but once, and the 
good bye was spoken with a hope to meet again ; 
but with many of you we had frequent companion- 
ship in social and religious intercourse, so that 



VI PREFACE. 

attach meats were formed that will ever continue; 
aad to us it will always be a privilege to revisit 
your pleasaut churches aad homes ; for those asso- 
ciatious are among the most cherished aad delight- 
ful ia our experieace. 

We aow commit our little volume to your keep- 
iog aad consideration, with the siacere desire that 
it may coutribute somethiug to your good, that the 
divioe blessing may accompany your reading of its 
pages, and also that it may retain in your remem- 
brance (as in ours) days that may perhaps come 
no more. Let us so live that together we may know 
the bliss of Paradise, together behold the King in 
His beauty, together love and enjoy the Saviour, 
and together spend eternity. As you read what 
you have heard before, remember how the preacher 
has prayed for you, and breathe for us a prayer. 



CONTENTS. • 

PASB. 

The Preciousness of Christ 9 

The Pure in Heart, and their Reward 20 

From Saul of Tarsus to St. Paul 33 

The Rock higher than 1 46 

Christ at Prayer 58 

Preaching the Gospel 71 

The Tears of Jesus 85 

Desire for the Beauty of Christ 98 

The Duty of Continued Effort Ill 

Christ, the Way 122 

The Important Choice 133 

The Mountain Service 142 

The Christian's Experience of Sin 151 

Jephthah's Daughter 158 

Ruth 169 

No Sea in Heaven 179 



OUR PRAYER. 



" So much the rather, Thou celestial light, 
Shine inward, and the mind through all her pow'rs 
Irradiate, there plant eyes, all mist from thence 
Purge and disperse, that we may see and tell 
Of things invisible to mortal sight." 

Paradise Lost. 



LOVE TRUTHS FROM THE BIBLE. 



THE PRECIOUSNESS OF CHRIST. 

" Unto you therefore who believe he is precious.'* — I Peter, 
ii : 7. 

Every one is concerned with a countless number 
of common-place objects, whose pursuit gives rise to 
the everyday routine of existence, and occasions all 
the little joys and sorrows which enter into every 
one's experience ; but in addition to all these, the 
thoughtful, earnest mind has always an object of 
special regard which rises far above these petty 
aims of endeavor, like the grand dome of some 
cathedral towers above the insignificant structures 
at its base. Here relief is found from gnawing 
care, as rest in the shadow of a great rock in a 
thirsty land; here the mind delights to dwell in 
sweet forgetfulness of what is or has been, and 
muse on what the coming years will bring of antici- 
pations realized ; here also is the motive to thought 
and action, the cherished nucleus about which hope 
and imagination rear their most magnificent crea- 
tions, the fond object of all sleeping and waking 
dreams, the constant source of a peculiar coloring 
to the whole fabric of life, and upon which depends 
2 



10 LOVE TRUTHS FROM THE BIB]?E. 

the consciousness of a whole life's failure or suc- 
cess, according as there is disappointment or tri- 
umph. 

With the Christian this main central object is, 
Christ; whose unequalled attainments in perfect 
manhood have not stirred the world's deep gloom 
with only a few rays of light ; whose intimations 
of a future existence have not gilded life's land- 
scape with only a few rich tints of hope ; but who 
is the very chief among ten thousands, so identi- 
fied with the most vital interests as to be the inspi- 
ration to all the faculties of mind and heart ; for 
here ambition may never be restrained, nay, it is 
actually essential, if true Christian experience is 
desired. 

Accordingly, religion is not the quiet haven after 
the stormy voyage, not the cool shade after the 
scorching sand, not the sweet rest after weary toil, 
but a life-long struggle to get nearer to God in 
Jesus Christ, to take him as the chief corner-stone 
for time and eternity. 

Our text is the conclusion of a statement in the 
preceding verse — " he that believeth on him shall 
not be confounded," more literally, shall not be put 
to shame ; and by shame is here meant, not the 
trivial embarrassment which causes the color to 
mantle to the cheek, when modesty has been 
shocked or the young criminal detected in his crime, 
but tha^profound humiliation in the crushing con- 
sciousness of failure, which, like a great darkness, 
rushes over the soul when all has been lost, the 
foundation has crumbled beneath the feet, the bark 
in which was entrusted all has gone down beneath 
the waves, and there is nothing left but a dreary 



LOVE TRUTHS FROM THE BIBLE. 11 

waiting and longing that death may prove a sweet 
destroyer of all sense of life. But against this, 
those trusting in Christ are promised to he in- 
sured ; and hence our theme : — The preciousness 
of Christ in preserving believers from shame or 
humiliation. From mere appeals to the emotions 
there may result the interest of an hour fancied 
more than real, hut the deep and abiding hope of 
a life-time is based upon facts ; therefore, in demon- 
strating the truth of our text, we have only to 
refer to what is known of Christ. 

First, then, Himself. The cry of the soul is not 
so much for God as for the living God ; not so 
much for infinitude as for one who is infinite ; but 
to fully satisfy there must be in this personality a 
capacity for sympathizing in all the experiences of 
human nature : and though this was doubtless 
the case with God before the incarnation, that event 
was needed to enable fallen humanity to appre- 
ciate the truth. Accordingly, the God-man, Christ 
Jesus, was endowed with every requisite qualifica- 
tion to inspire confidence and hope ; even unbe- 
lieving critics being compelled to acknowledge the 
marvellous adaptation of such a character to meet 
the wants of the soul. 

Though brief, his public life was a manifestation 
of the noblest qualities human and divine. — Just in 
his condemnation of the self-righteous Pharisees, 
but moved with compassion toward the multitude 
who seemed like sheep without a shepherd ; severe, 
in his detestation of sin, as when he said, — " thou 
Capernaum, (which art exalted to heaven,) shall be 
brought down to hell," but kind toward the sinner, 



V2 LOVE TRUTHS FROM THE BIBLE. 

as when tie said to the erring woman, " neither do 
I condemn thee ; go, and sin no more ; " stern, 
when he saw his Father's house transformed into a 
den of thieves, hut gentle as a mother, when he 
took the little children in his arms ; strong, when 
strength was needed to calm the troubled waters of 
the Sea of Galilee, but weak in the presence of 
human grief when the two sisters whom he loved 
had lost their only brother and he, his friend. 

How lovely, how grand the union of essence 
uncreated with created mind, possessing all the 
excellence of the one forever before the point when 
time began, with all the nameless charms of the 
other made perhaps more precious by their growth 
in time ! A great mystery, yet a glorious fact, with 
the same meaning now as eighteen hundred years 
ago ; for, though Jesus in bodily form is seen no 
more, as once in the streets of Jerusalem, and the 
many villages of Judea and G-alilee, he nevertheless 
still lives, with the same infinitude of attributes, 
and, sweet to think, with the same human nature 
vibrating to all the joys and sorrows of earth. 

As a friend, a teacher, a philanthropist, a hero, 
or a God, experience presents no parallel ; and art, 
even in the sunny days of Greece, never portrayed 
on canvas, in verse, or marble such perfection as 
shown in him, who in contempt was called a Naza- 
rene, but whom millions to-day recognize as " the 
only Begotten of the Father, full of grace and 
truth." Solitary and sublime he stands out in his- 
tory, the admiration of enemies, the all in all to 
his faithful disciples. Intellect discovers no defect, 
heart asks no more. 



LOVE TRUTHS FROM THE BIBLE. 13 

Those, who accept him as he really is, are ex- 
horted by his wondrous revelation of divinity to an 
obedience, a love, a consecration to God, which, not 
the voice from Sinai, nor even that heard in Para- 
dise in the cool of the evening, could ever have 
inspired. Also, by his exhibition of perfect human- 
ity they are irresistibly led to an imitation of his 
virtues, the effect of which is an exercise of senti- 
ments whose harmony is a rich music enjoyed by 
all who come within the charmed circle of their 
influence. And if men will cavil at the persistency 
with which the lineaments of his character are 
sought to be reproduced in human nature, suffi- 
cient is the reply of the artist of old ; " I paint for 
eternity." Therefore a mere honest belief in the 
existence of Christ, as one, who once blessed this 
earth with his presence, affords an elevation of 
thought and feeling beyond the power of time, 
place, or circumstance to destroy : it imparts a 
tone, a vigor, a nobility of purpose and aspiration 
which cannot be annihilated by any change of for- 
tune. For it is impossible that the world should 
ever be robbed of Christ, directed by whose spirit 
ethnic development is unfolding to a grand consum- 
mation, upon the moral principles of whose doc- 
trine society is founded, with the force of whose 
influence true improvement is identified, and the 
impressive eloquence of whose life and character 
will never pass away, or cease to move, as long as 
there remains in the human heart the faintest glim- 
mering of what is true and good : — Unto you there- 
fore who believe he is precious. 

But, secondly, — Christ's work. " Of man's first 
disobedience " and all its train of woes which still 
2* 



14 LOVE TRUTHS FR031 THE BIBLE. 

continue, little need be said. Disappointment, dis- 
ease, and death became the heritage of the race, to 
take from each sunbeam its warmth and brightness 
in casting an ever deepening shadow with the lapse 
of years from youth to age, from which in this life 
the soul shall be lifted nevermore. But these are 
temporary ills and might be borne, if there were 
hope of rest beyond the grave, which also is denied ; 
for in the fall humanity lost companionship with 
God, apart from whom immortality would be a 
hideous curse. But just here comes in the work of 
Christ. Hear him address the father in the lan- 
guage of earth's sublime poet; 

" Behold me then; me for Him, life, for life 
I offer ; on me let thine anger fall ; 
Account me man : I for his sake will leave 
Thy bosom, and this glory next to Thee 
Freely put off; and for Him lastly die 
Well pleased : on me let Death wreak all his rage." 

And so it came to pass. The grim guardian of 
the gate of hell, offspring of devil and sin, did 
rush to conflict with the Ancient of Days, but mis- 
erably failed in his fell design : so that " Hope 
enchanted smiled, and waived her golden hair ; " for 
death had lost his sting, and the grave her victory. 

Looking upon the all-sufficient work of his Son in 
man's behalf, the Father is well pleased : there is 
therefore no condemnation to those who are in 
Christ, whose meditation was perfect from the cir- 
cumstances of the case. Infinite in merit, because 
he was the Son of God ; universal in its application, 
because he has broken down the wall of partition 
between Jew and Gentile ; eternal in its effects, 
because he has entered into the tabernacle not made 



LOVE TRUTHS FROM THE BIBLE. 15 

with hands, even heaven itself. Thus Christ suf- 
fered the penalty of man's transgression : upon him 
was laid the iniquities of us all, and when the dark- 
ness of the crucifixion had cleared away, Sinai's 
smoke had vanished forever. Yes, the shew- 
bread, the candlestick, the altar, the temple itself 
is seen no more ; and though the Ark of the Cove- 
nant still remains, its covering has long since 
melted 'neath the precious blood there sprinkled, 
and is now running over the tables of stone in 
liquid gold, a beauteous tracery of love. Here 
Mercy and Truth have met together ; Righteous- 
ness and Peace have kissed each other. Having 
the promise of the life that now is and of that 
which is to come, they who rely upon the work 
of Christ will surely never be put to confusion: 
Unto you therefore who believe he is precious. 

But, lastly, Christ's peculiar relation to each of 
his followers. A statesman may command admi- 
ration, a patriot, honor, but genuine love is only 
evoked by the meeting of hearts in the strong quick 
sympathies of individuals as such : Wherefore, if 
the multitude had been the sole object of Christ's 
regard, what he is and has done, would have had 
little influence upon practical life. It is not sufficient 
to know that he fed the five thousand, that he was 
moved with compassion toward the people uncared 
for, that he wept over Jerusalem when he saw her 
coming doom ; but it is required also to know, that 
he said to Peter, "I have prayed for thee," to the 
thief on the cross, " to-day, thou shalt be with me 
in Paradise," and to the woman, who had lost her 
all in losing him, "Mary,." 



16 LOYE TRUTHS FROM THE BIBLE. 

It is said that Pericles learned the name of every 
Athenian citizen, and that Cyrus learned the name 
of every soldier in his army. The wisdom of such 
a plan is evident. Each man was made to feel that 
he had a personal interest in the welfare of the State, 
and therehy his co-operation was secured in every 
public measure. What was prompted by policy in 
the statesman and general, has love for its ground 
with the Saviour of mankind ; for Jesus knows the 
name of every disciple. 

With every casting upon him of a contemptuous 
sneer came the thought of each one he was redeem- 
ing from woe. With every stroke, under which his 
flesh quivered, as it nailed him to the cross, was 
stamped upon his breaking heart the image of each 
one for whom he was purchasing everlasting life. 
With the loss of every drop of blood, as it fell 
slowly to the ground, his mind reviewed each one 
he was winning back to God and heaven. 

My beloved spake and said unto me, " rise up my 
love, my fair one, and come away. Open to me 
my sister, my love, my dove, my undeflled ; for my 
head is filled with dew and my locks with the 
drops of the night." And in sweet accord is the 
language of the bride : " My beloved is mine, and 
I am his. His left hand is under my head and 
his right hand doth embrace me." Thus it is the 
privilege of every Christian to feel that Christ sus- 
tains to him a relation as intimate as though he 
were the only one to be redeemed by the atonement, 
as though he were the only object of consideration 
in the councils of God. 

The glory, the strength the very soul of Chris- 
tianity is this personal element, to which are due its 



LOVE TRUTHS FROM THE BIBLE. 17 

conquests both of individuals and nations, by beauty 
of life, by force of speech, by nerving the arm to 
strike for liberty and truth. 

Before it the Lion of Tarsus was subdued ; the 
proud Eagle of Rome folded his wings in the dust ; 
the pale Crescent is fading as the moon before 
the sun ; the great Dragon of the Vatican is in the 
last throes of deaths and the glory of Jehovah is 
fast filling the earth. 

Thanks be to God for his unspeakable gift, but 
everlasting praise that each of the fold is the object 
of his care ! so that he is your God and mine, your 
Saviour and mine, pressing each one to his yearn- 
ing heart with a love so deep, so gentle, so en- 
during, so satisfying, that from each the joyous ex- 
clamation is heard, " you may have all the world; 
give me the hope in Christ.'' What more is 
required to preserve from shame ! What more can 
imagination add to the truth ! Will believers ever 
be compelled to acknowledge that, alas ! they have 
leaned upon a broken reed? that the corner-stone 
of their building has given way? The strong faith 
of living men is a standing denial. The heroic 
death of martyrs from Stephen till the last fire 
kindled at Smithfield, is a resistless refutation. 
The ineffable smile of peace on the face of the dying 
Christian, is proof conclusive that Christ is with his 
people to the end. Unto you therefore who believe 
he is precious. 

By way of conclusion permit us to emphasize the 
fact that only believers are referred to in the text. 
This was a very bad world, and bad enough now ; 
yet oh ! how much better for the coming of Jesus 
Christ. This was a very dark world, and dark 
2* 



18 LOVE TRUTHS FROM THE BIBLE. 

enough now ; yet oh ! how much brighter for the 
light that shines in the face of Jesus Christ. For 
wherever the influence of Christianity extends, suf- 
fering is alleviated, morality advanced, education 
encouraged. 

But, as only to those who appreciate its value, is 
the costliest diamond of any worth ; as only to those 
who have a sense for its perception is a " thing of 
beauty, a joy forever," so only to those who really 
believe, is Christ subjectively and objectively, eter- 
nally ; and temporally, precious. It is faith that 
catches the glow of the " bright and morning Star." 
It is faith that soars and meets with eagle eye the 
splendor of the Sun of righteousness. It is faith that 
enjoys the full radiance of the Light of the World. 

The awful warning in the last part of the verse 
not merely indicates what a privilege is lost, but 
what misfortune results from not having faith. 

If men will not take the Stone laid in Zion as 
the chief corner-stone of all their hopes ; whether 
they will or not. It will be the corner-stone of their 
despair. If they will not take it as a stepping- 
stone to heaven, it certainly will prove an obstruc- 
tion in their way. But to as many as sincerely say, 
" Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God," 
the Lord of hosts is mighty to save. 

How evident, then, is the necessity of accepting 
Christ ! Pursued to a certain extent, earthly objects 
yield a reasonable pleasure, which life with its many 
sorrows could ill afford to spare, but made the chief 
end of desire and exertion, the time will sooner or 
later come when finally will cease their power to 
interest ; the walls of the soul will fall together 
about a space where once there seemed a world, but 



LOVE TRUTHS FROM THE BIBLE. 19 

now a, dreary void ; and, oh ! how terrible this desola- 
tion of spirit. 

But why art thou cast down, my soul, and 
" why art thou disquieted within me? hope thou 
in God." " Behold I lay in Zion, a chief corner- 
stone, elect, precious ; and he that believeth on him 
shall not he confounded : Unto you therefore who 
believe he is precious." Precious for the realiza- 
tion of his presence all along through life ; precious 
for the vision of his glory in the fearful "hour of 
wrenching away from all we have known and loved ;" 
precious for his appearance in human form at the 
pearly gate to welcome each brother and sister to 
" Paradise regained ;" 

" Where they shall dwell secure when time shall be, 
Of tempter and temptation without fear." 



20 LOVE TRUTHS FROM THE BIBLE. 



THE PURE IN HEART, AND THEIR REWARD. 

" Blessed are the pure in heart; for they shall see God." — Mat- 
thew, v : 8. 

There are to be found in the Bible, comprehen- 
sive principles for the regulation of life and char- 
acter ; so that, we are often left to decide, whether 
this, or that act ; this, or that state of mind, be in 
accordance with what is required. Special injunc- 
tions are not wanting, however. The Old Testa- 
ment seems almost wearisome, in this regard, to 
those enjoying the liberty of the Gospel : and also 
in the New Testament the observance of certain du- 
ties is mentioned, as meriting peculiar rewards ; 
and the commission of certain evils, as meriting 
peculiar penalties. This is strikingly the manner 
of Christ's teaching in the Sermon on the mount. 
Accordingly, if any one desire to shape his inner 
and outer life consistently and favorably in the sight 
of G-od and man, let him carefully heed the lessons 
there taught. The first twelve verses of the fifth 
chapter of Matthew command more than ordinary 
interest ; for various classes of individuals are there 
pronounced blessed by the Saviour himself. But 
the world may be surprised to find in this catalogue, 
not those whom it cherishes most, but just those, 
for whom it cares the least. For nothing is said 
about the rich, the famous, the mighty, or the 
learned ; but the poor in spirit ; they that mourn ; 
the meek ; the hungry and thirsty after righteous- 
ness ; the merciful ; the pure in heart ; the peace- 



LOVE TRUTHS FROM THE BIBLE. 21 

makers ; the persecuted for righteousness' sake ; 
the reviled, the persecuted, the evil spoken of falsely 
for Jesus' sake ; all these have a place ; God's rich- 
est gifts await to perfect their happiness : the 
bright robe of promise is cast about them all. 

Our text stands out prominently among the 
beatitudes, as at once setting forth the most difficult 
condition to the most glorious reward. " Blessed 
are the pure in heart ; for they shall see God." 
In other words, purity of heart brings the blessed- 
ness of seeing God. Do you marvel at the joining 
of these, this condition to this reward? Ask your- 
self, would you have it otherwise ? That God 
should be looked upon at the pleasure of a heart 
full of sin ; would not this be, not only adverse to 
conscience, but also repulsive to heart and intellect? 
We think of God, as boundless in mercy and love, 
yearning to regain his children from suffering to 
his infinite rest ; but we cannot think of him, as 
being indifferent to sin. If the conception of divine 
holiness should be altogether lost, it would be the 
destruction of all sense of right and wrong ; society 
and government, as well as religion, could not exist ; 
chaos and anarchy would universally prevail. 
God's hatred of sin is evident from the character of 
the divine nature ; and it is also evident from the 
impure heart, whose tendency is directly away from 
God ; whose delight is in that which he abhors ; 
whose conduct is forbidden by his commandments. 
Such is sin ; not only violating, but vitiating ; not 
only removing the good, but instilling what is evil ; 
at once outraging divine justice, and causing the 
heart to rejoice in its separation from God. Thus 



22 LOVE TRUTHS FROM THE BIBLE. 

it is no arbitrary decree, but a just and natural 
sequence, that only the pure in heart 6hall see God. 
In what does purity of heart consist? Have you 
ever considered the destiny of the little rill that has 
its source far away from the sea, in the ravine of 
the mountain ? Now dashing from rock to rock, 
now gliding so smoothly that the ear can scarcely 
catch the ripple as you rest upon the bank ; now 
blending with the babbling brook, now with the 
brook uniting with the greater stream ; now with 
the stream mingling with the mighty river ; now 
with the river going out into the broad bay ; and 
now with the bay lost in the abyss of waters ; its 
object is one, namely, to reach the ocean ; and per- 
sistently, therefore successfully is its object accom- 
plished. Just so with the heart : it must have but 
one aim, namely, to do the will of God ; and if 
persistently, then successfully will its object be 
accomplished. This was the example left us by 
Christ, who said to his disciples, " I came, not to 
do mine own will, but the will of him that sent 
me : " and we know how sublimely He persevered, 
even to the bitter end. And now, this devotion to 
God's service does not interfere with man's obliga- 
tions to himself, or to others. On the contrary, 
it insures their faithful observance ; for show us a 
man, who is observant of the divine law ; and we 
will show you one, who is blameless in regard to all 
else. To act in harmony with the great author of 
the universe, is to act in harmony with all the rela- 
tions, in which one is placed ; and hence, there is 
perfectness in the entire life, just in proportion as 
the effort to do God's will is succesful. 



LOVE TRUTHS FROM THE BIBLE. 23 

Again, have you never contemplated with delight 
clear, crystal water springing out from a rock by 
the wayside? How beautiful its fondling of the 
bright, gentle sunbeams, rejoicing in the presence 
of a purity like its own ! Nature's divinest offer- 
ing, fresh flowing from her stony urn, unsullied by 
the touch of earth ! That, with its glow r , with its 
freshness, with its freedom from stain, is a true 
emblem of the pure heart ; and as day dispels the 
darkness of the night, brings back a flush of beauty 
to nature's cheek, and re-animates the waiting world 
with a new impulse of life ; so truth, in such a 
heart, dispels all darkness, elevates the desires, 
makes heavenly what is earthly, remodels in celes- 
tial beauty what has been deformed by sin. It was 
just this cleansing of the heart, which the Pharisees 
so much lacked. Outwardly they were as polished 
sepulchres, faultless to the eye ; so minutely exact 
in every requirement of the law, as not to be will- 
ing that a poor woman should be healed on the Sab- 
bath day, whom Satan had bound for eighteen years. 
But inwardly they were full of foul corruption, 
which called forth the severest denunciations of 
Christ ; as when He said, u ye serpents, ye genera- 
tion of vipers, how can ye escape the damnation of 
hell ! " Gentle, patient, loving, self-sacrificing, and 
looking heavenward, the purified heart is — as an 
instrument without discord ; upon which every one 
may depend "for the note wanted," with which 
even God himself is well pleased. The realization 
of this truth caused the Psalmist to pray, " Create 
in me a clean heart, God ; and renew a right 
spirit within me." 



24 LOVE TRUTHS FROM THE BIBLE. 

So then, there are two essentials to the pure in 
heart ; singleness of purpose in doing the will of 
God, and the sanctification of the affections by the 
truth ; a holy life and a holy character. The holy 
life is more especially for the benefit of men ; for an 
example is thereby set forth ; encouragement is 
afforded ; and the precept, love thy neighbor as thy- 
self, is put into action ; so that, human hearts have 
occasion to bless God for human sympathy and relief. 
In this connection it is said of Jesus: "He went 
about doing good: " A distinction, which earth's 
proudest monarch might well covet ; yet one within 
the reach of all. The holy character is more espe- 
cially for the eyes of God, as only He can estimate 
its capabilities, not only for the moment we call 
time, but also for that infinite beyond, known only 
as to its name, eternity. To him who is from ever- 
lasting to everlasting, what are the acts of creatures 
such as we, excepting so far as they indicate dispo- 
sitions of soul, that may endure forever? This is 
well exemplified by the case of the poor widow, 
casting her two mites into the treasury ; of whom 
Christ said, " She hath cast in more than they all." 
The Pharisees gave of their abundance to God ; while 
she, of her penury, gave all that she had. They 
were prompted by a desire for the praise of men ; 
while she, only mindful of her duty and love to 
God, thus disclosed to the Savior's view the price- 
less pearl of a self-sacrificing heart. 

" Who shall ascend into the hill of the Lord? 
And who shall stand in his holy place ? " The an- 
swer comes at once ; "He that hath clean hands and 
a pure heart." The prophet, Micah, also asks, 
" Wherewith shall we come before the Lord, and 



LOVE TRUTHS FROM THE BIBLE. 25 

bow ourselves before the high God ? He hath shown 
thee, man, what is good ; and what doth the 
Lord require of thee, but to do justly, to love mercy, 
and to walk humbly with thy God? " Here again, 
the same requirement is set forth, only in a more 
practical form. The possessor of any one of these 
graces is deserving of regard : for we honor the 
judge, who in his decisions recognizes neither friend 
nor foe ; we love the sister of mercy, who with a 
steady flame of kindness in her heart, (though she 
"may not always be clad in a costume of black,") 
is ever ready with her gentle ministries of relief; 
and we are drawn toward the humble, who parade 
not their gifts and attainments above those of others. 
But where these graces are found combined ; con- 
centrate their influence in elevating life and char- 
acter ; and are exercised with due regard to divine, 
as well as human claims ; it is there that the true 
Christian spirit is realized. The loveliness of those 
thus favored seems all but sacred. About them is 
something of the glory of the transfiguration. In 
their presence we are encouraged, strengthened, sub- 
dued ; and we feel that it is good for us to be there, 
in homage to the exalted sceptre of true manhood 
and true womanhood. Thus single in their purpose 
of serving God, like the mountain rill in reaching 
the ocean ; and stainless within, like the living 
water from the rock ; they are the pure in heart, 
whom our text pronounces blessed ; for they shall see 
God. 

Let no one suppose that actual perfection is attain- 
able on earth. That would be contrary to revela- 
tion, as well as to experience and observation. The 
fact is, that a sense of imperfection is essential to 



26 LOVE TRUTHS FROM THE BIBLE. 

any advancement whatever in the Christian life; 
and where imperfection is not felt to exist, there, 
rest assured it is to be found in its most hopeless 
form. To borrow an illustration from a favorite 
writer : there were two pictures of an early art, 
perhaps executed in the eighth century. One was 
receptive of improvement ; and clearly evidenced 
an artist whose ideal was far above what his unprac- 
tised hand was able to realize : while the other gave 
evidence of an artist well satisfied with what he 
had done. Italy, where the first was executed, 
boasts to day of her Raphael and Angelo ; while 
Ireland, whence the other came, cherishes no dis- 
tinguished representatives of the art. Just so in 
spiritual affairs ; there is great hope for those, who 
are ever striving for a higher experience ; while 
little or none for those, who are satisfied with their 
attainments. The commandment is, do all you can, 
and do it with your might. Obey this, relying 
upon our Lord Jesus Christ for salvation ; and your 
acceptance with God is insured. You are purified 
in Christ, whose blood cleanseth from all sin ; and 
his spirit will continue the work of grace. 

One of the means to be employed by the pure in 
heart is communion with self. A certain piece of 
land is to be made into a beautiful park. Now 
what is naturally the first step to be taken ? Why 
of course a thorough examination of the said piece 
of land, to ascertain what use can be made of exist- 
ing peculiarities, what old features need altering or 
removing altogether, and what new objects should 
be introduced to heighten the effect. This stream 
must be turned to form a cascade. Those trees 
must be cleared away to complete the symmetry of a 



LOVE TRUTHS FROM THE BIBLE. 27 

grove. This hill must be levelled in constructing 
one of the grand avenues. That valley must be 
filled up to get rid of an offensive marsh. Besides 
all this, many new trees and shrubs and flowers 
must be planted, which never were known to grow 
there before ; and so the work goes on, not to be 
completed in a month or year. Should it be other- 
wise in regard to life and character? In beautify- 
ing these, is there less need of care? Let there be 
a thorough self-examination, to ascertain what 
faults need correction, what virtues should be added ; 
and this being known, act promptly, with decision. 
There are appetites and passions to be controlled ; 
habits to be overcome ; errors of intellect to be 
removed ; unwise conduct to be reformed ; charity 
and her sister graces to be cherished ; forethought 
and judgment to be exercised. All this may be an 
unpleasant and arduous task ; one that may tax 
your powers to the very utmost ; but it cannot be 
avoided in the Christian life. 

Aids are not wanting, however, in this self-ex- 
amination. There is conscience, the never silent 
monitor within ; always advising, or warning ; com- 
mending, or forbidding ; excusing, or accusing ; 
urging, or restraining ; in order that the right may 
be thought and felt and done. There is history, 
individual and national, which by its motives and 
results, may assist the mind in pursuing what is 
good, and shunning what is evil. There is nature, 
with her thousands of voices proclaiming the truth 
on every side. To say nothing of the lessons taught 
us by the grand firmament, upon which the old 
sacred writers delighted so much to dwell ; the ob- 
jects of earth all about us, have an urgent message 



28 LOVE TRUTHS FROM THE BIBLE. 

for all who will listen, and be guided by what they 
hear. Yes, 

"Every bird that sings; 

Every flower that stars the elastic sod ; 
Every breath the radiant summer brings, 

To the pure spirit is a word of God;" 

therefore, of order, of innocence, of faith, of 
love ; of all that purifies the soul for heaven ; of 
all that contributes to the ideal, dreamed of by 
Plato, and the best men of every age. But great- 
est of all! there is revelation. Conscience, may be 
weak. History, unless viewed through long periods 
of time, may lead to false conclusions as to what is 
right and wrong : and nature, to be fully appre- 
ciated, needs a peculiar endowment of soul, pos- 
sessed by few. But the Bible is forcible, is unerr- 
ing, is universal in its teachings ; and if in its 
light, especially that light reflected from the char- 
acter and works of our Lord Jesus Christ, self be 
reviewed with a purpose to reform ; the progress 
made will be sure. 

There must also be communion with God. To en- 
joy the light, to experience its full radiance, it will 
not do merely to study optics : nor will it suffice to 
observe light as reflected by moon and stars. The 
great orb of day must himself be gazed upon in his 
noon-day splendor, the centre and source of light 
to our solar system. In like manner, it will not do 
merely to talk of purity ; that may only lead to a 
sickly sentiment : nor will it answer to regard the 
character of good men, as a sufficient model for 
imitation. Those who would be pure, must go to 
the fountain of all purity ; that is to God himself. 



LOVE TRUTHS FROM THE BIBLE. 29 

Only in earnest communion with our heavenly- 
father, (a privilege secured to us by the sacrifice 
of Christ,) can we obtain relief from the guilt and 
power of sin. Earth presents much that is fair, 
touching and impressive. A young mother bending 
in tenderness over her sleeping babe ; a sister's holy 
affection ; a patriot, striking for liberty and home ; 
an old man's dream of childhood; all these touch 
the heart ; and awaken a pleasure, subdued but in- 
tense, because the finest chords of our nature vibrate 
with emotion, like a rich harp string with the 
witchery of sound. But lovelier far, more impres- 
sive than all, is the human form bowed at the altar 
of prayer. 

The world forgot ; the soul alone with its God, 
pleading in tones that will take no refusal, till at 
last the answer comes, not in the fire, not in the 
storm, not in the earthquake, but in the still, small 
voice, I will ; be thou clean ! my blood wasbed 
away thy sins : my spirit will sanctify thee to 
myself. 

Now as to the great reward, the blessedness of 
seeing God. We observe that it is enjoyed in the 
present life. Christ went away, that the Spirit 
might come ; and in nature, in revelation, and in 
their mental conditions, the pure in heart expe- 
rience the Divine presence. Their blessedness arises 
from a sense of God's protecting care ; sotbat they 
are not afraid "for the terror by night ; nor for the 
arrow that flietb by day; nor for the pestilence 
that walketh in darkness ; nor for the destruction 
that wasteth at noonday. A thousand shall fall at 
their side, and ten thousand at their right hand ; 
but it shall not come nigh them. He shall give his 



30 LOVE TRUTHS FROM THE BIBLE. 

angels charge over them, to keep them in all their 
ways. They shall bear them up in their hands, 
lest at any time they dash their foot against a 
stone." Their blessedness arises also from a sense 
of God's boundless love ; for to them it is given to 
" comprehend with all saints, what is the breadth 
and length and height and depth, and to know 
the love of Christ, which passeth all knowledge;" 
and from it they cannot be separated, by tribulation, 
or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, 
or peril, or sword, or death, or life, or angels, or 
principalities, or powers, or things present, or 
things to come, or height, or depth, or any other 
creature; for all are theirs, and they are Christ's, 
and Christ is God's." Their blessedness arises also 
from the hope, with which they are inspired ; for 
" God according to his abundant mercy, hath 
begotten them unto a lively hope by the resurrec- 
tion of Jesus Christ from the dead." 

" O hope delicious, O conception grand, 
That pictures visions of the flowery land ; 
That wafts the fragrance of its fields of bliss 
Across the deserts of a world like this ! 
Extatic hope, that gives to mortal eyes 
A passing glimpse of its refulgent skies ! 
Transporting hope; that lifts the soul above 
To wondrous regions of eternal love ! 
O hope divine, thou art the voice of God ! 
By thee allured we seek his grand abode." 

They are thus made blessed in this life by some- 
thing far better than mere pleasure, or worldly 
possessions. They have a deep and abiding trust 
in God, whom they see by faith ; and they have the 
assurance, that in the life to come, they will no 



LOVE TRUTHS FROM THE BIBLE. 31 

longer see as through a glass darkly, but face to 
face. 

After the farewell with friends, after the flood has 
been crossed, after the pearly gates have been reached, 
after the city has been entered ; the vision of God to 
the pure in heart shall be perfect. Yes ! They shall 
see Him as He is ; worthy of blessing, and glory, 
and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honor, and 
power, and might. They shall see him, as the chief 
among ten thousand, and the altogether lovely. 
They shall see him to be like him, and shall be sat- 
isfied with the likeness. They shall see him to 
glorify and enjoy him forever. The seraphim will 
still proclaim to one another, saying, "holy, holy, 
holy, is the Lord of Hosts : the whole earth is full 
of His glory:" but none there will tremble with 
fear because of unclean lips ; and there will be no 
need of a coal from off the altar. Guiltless and 
pure, the redeemed shall be in free communion with 
God, to behold the King in his beauty, to expe- 
rience the joy of his presence, to be enraptured 
with the affluence of his love: and surpassing 
bliss ! the coming ages will bring no change. How 
glorious and sublime the prospect of living with 
God for all eternity ! Amid the difficulties and 
trials of life, there is no greater source of encourage- 
ment, strength and hope. It was this that caused St. 
Paul to say, "I reckon that the sufferings of the 
present time are not worthy to be compared with 
the glory which shall be revealed." 

In conclusion, let it be ever borne in mind, that 
the requisite to the privilege of seeing God — is purity 
of heart, only attainable by acceptance of Christ. 
Men have tried philosophy ; which, by its wondrous 



32 LOVE TRUTHS FROM THE BIBLE. 

power of diversifying the appearance of truth, flat- 
ters the mind with a promise of success. They 
have also tried asceticism, (self-torture,) in the 
hope, that cruelty to the flesh would leave the mind 
unobstructed in aspiring toward the divine. They 
have also tried retirement from the world, that the 
mind might be lifted above things seen and tempo- 
ral, to those unseen and eternal. And strange to 
say ! men have even tried to buy the privilege of 
seeing God ; who, together with all those who 
encourage the blasphemous practice, deserve the 
rebuke of Peter to the sorcerer ; " Thy money perish 
with thee." All these attempts are vain, and 
worse than vain ; for often their only effect is to 
widen the gulf between earth and heaven. Accord- 
ingly, if we would see God in this life, if we would 
have a sense of his presence continually with us, 
if we would kneel at the feet of Jesus, not as Mary, 
here on earth in tears, but in that better country 
where no tears ever fall ; if We would dwell with 
God forever ; let us keep our lives consecrated to his 
service ; let us have our affections sanctified by his 
spirit : in a word let us keep our hearts with dili- 
gence ; for out of them are the issues of life. 
" Blessed are the pure in heart ; for they shall see 
God." 



LOVE TRUTHS FROM THE BIBLE. 33 



FROM SAUL OF TARSUS TO ST. PAUL. 
"All that heard Him were amazed." — Acts, ix : 21. 

They at Damascus knew that Saul had come 
there to persecute the Christians ; and when they 
heard Him preaching in the synagogue, as our text 
tells us, they were amazed. The 9th chapter 
of Acts contains the first account of Paul's conver- 
sion ; one of the most remarkable and important 
events in church history ; its far-reaching results 
are beyond computation. The apostle preached 
everywhere the salvation he had found himself ; 
and though we might arrive at some estimate as to 
the number of churches he established in his various 
missionary journeys, there is no estimating how 
many individual souls have been brought to a know- 
ledge of the truth through his instrumentality. It 
is a vast multitude which no man can number. 
His writings also went far to revolutionize opinion, 
life and religion in his own time ; and to-day they 
are ever increasing in their influence over the minds 
and hearts of men. 

This conversion was peculiar in its attendant cir- 
cumstances, which made a profound impression 
upon the apostle's mind ; inasmuch as they occa- 
sioned to him an intimate communion with Christ, 
and forever attached him to the Master's person 
and cause, through every vicissitude imagination 
can conceive. Paul several times refers to them in 
proof of his apostleship, and also to enforce the 
3 



34 LOVE TRUTHS FROM THE BIBLE. 

truth with all classes of men, Jews and Gentiles, 
unbelievers and Christians, enemies and friends. 
These circumstances were the sudden shining of a 
great light round about him on his. way to Damas- 
cus ; the audible voice of the Lord from Heaven,, 
remonstrating with him against his conduct ; the 
loss of sight, with its subsequent recovery by the 
laying on of the hands of Ananias ; and the gift 
of the Holy Ghost, received at the same time. This 
was doubtless that extraordinary communication of 
the spirit giving power to work miracles, possessed 
by the apostles and many others. 

Evidently supernatural, Paul's conversion was 
genuine and complete. He, who persecuted and 
wasted the Church of God, now became most 
active in its defence and extension. He, who pro- 
fited in the Jews' religion above his fellows, being 
more exceedingly zealous for the traditions of his 
fathers, now, when it pleased God to reveal his 
Son in him, delighted in the word of God, uncor- 
rupted by the views of men. He, who had stood 
by and had consented to the death of the first 
Christian martyr, now was ready to die in the same 
cause, to which Stephen had testified with his 
blood. He, who had done all things contrary to 
Jesus of Nazareth, now became His most devoted 
disciple ; willing to spend and be spent to advance 
the truth. 

You know the difference between an arctic and a 
tropical clime ; between the rough, unpolished mass 
of stone and the beautiful statue ; between the bab- 
ble of a child and the utterances of a Milton or 
Newton ; and certainly the difference is great ; yet 
not half so great, as between Saul of Tarsus who is 



LOVE TRUTHS FROM THE BIBLE. 35 

an object of aversion, and St. Paul, whom we 
reverence and love. No wonder that they at 
Damascus were amazed. Let us now consider the 
progress of this transformation in its successive 
manifestations, which are set forth in the 9th of 
Acts — in a sequence, precisely answering to that of 
reason and experience. 

First then, there was humility. "And as he 
journeyed, he came near Damascus : and suddenly 
there shined round about him a light from Heaven: 
and he fell to the earth." His prostration was not 
chiefly because of the physical effect produced ; 
though that may have had some influence. The 
light directly from the throne and possessed of 
spiritual power, penetrated his very soul ; shone 
there as in a place long kept in darkness, and so 
revealed its deformity and repulsiveness, that he 
felt unworthy to stand in the divine presence. Im- 
mediately he realized, that his zeal had not been 
according to knowledge ; that while his motives to 
some extent, had been commendable, his conduct 
and spirit were to be condemned ; and that his 
previous life had been in direct antagonism to the 
divine will. Gamaliel, his distinguished teacher, 
had once warned the Jewish council, not to molest 
apostles of Christ, lest haply, as he % said, they 
should be found "fighting against God." This 
wise advice had been unheeded by Saul at the 
time ; but now doubtless it was re-called with the 
keenest pain of regret ; for the fact, that he him- 
self had been fighting against God, was terribly 
and distressingly evident. 

But now there he lay upon the ground, humble, 
helpless, self-condemned ; all his self-righteousness, 



36 LOVE TRUTHS FROM THE BIBLE. 

self-sufficiency, intolerance and blood-thirstiness 
gone for ever ; but leaving scars and wounds upon 
His soul, which only balm from Heaven could heal. 
Accordingly, when he asked, who- art thou, Lord ? 
And the answer came, I am Jesus of Nazareth 
whom thou persecutest ; he could only answer, from 
out the depth of his humiliation, "Lord, what 
wilt thou have me to do?" "I am Jesus of 
Nazareth whom thou persecutest." How kind and 
gentle the reproof of the Master ! yet, oh how effec- 
tive ! It was the touching complaint of unappre- 
ciated mercy. It was the sorrowful remonstrance 
of unselfish goodness. It was the resistless pro- 
test of injured innocence. It was the heart-cry 
of neglected love ; making Saul of Tarsus, not 
so much afraid of retribution, as ashamed of his 
hatred and ingratitude ; and to a man of his type, 
who had prided himself on his religious zeal, that 
was the surest way to bring him to submission. 
A bold, true nature can only be effectually reached 
by appeals to its nobler impulses, to its manhood, 
to its chivalry. It may not be driven ; it may, 
however, be won. Threats will only excite its 
opposition ; but love may bind it in chains, that 
can never be removed. God is fully acquainted 
with every^ impulse and sentiment of human nature, 
and is quick to improve the very best means of 
accomplishing His purposes, as in the case before 
us ; for Saul was immediately and thoroughly sub- 
dued. He always proved himself to be one of the 
most gifted ; yet he always remained one of the 
most humble disciples of Christ. He was always 
one of the most privileged in receiving divine reve- 
lations ; yet his determination was — to glory, not in 



LOVE TRUTHS FROM THE BIBLE. 37 

these, but in his infirmities. From Jesus himself 
he had learned to be meek and lowly in heart. 

Next, there was prayer. "And the Lord said to 
unto him," (That is, unto Ananias,) " arise and 
go into the street which is called Straight, and 
inquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul 
of Tarsus : for behold, he prayeth." The weight 
of his sin bears the misguided man to the earth ; 
but sorrow, taking the form of repentance, soon 
directs his thoughts heavenward. He thinks per- 
haps that he may not be forgiven ; that his crimes 
are too numerous and of too flagrant a character to 
be regarded with mercy : yet the consciousness of 
having wronged one, who has shown him only 
kindness and compassion, compels him to an ac- 
knowledgment of his faults. But of course it is 
also true, that hope, ever rising anew from her own 
ashes, likewise suggests prayer Speak, she whis- 
pers : "God is slow to anger and plenteous in 
mercy:" "A bruised reed will he not break ; " "a 
smoking flax he will not quench." It may be, he 
will hear. — Accordingly, as a disobedient child 
hastens to its mother, assured that no disobedience 
on its part can destroy that mother's love ; so this 
strong man, weak in the consciousness of guilt, 
hastens to his Heavenly Father, trusting to that 
love which nothing can change : the same yester- 
day, to-day, and forever. How comforting the 
truth, that however much steeped in iniquity, how- 
ever far down in the cesspool of sin His creatures 
may be ; if they will only lift the hand, only cry 
for help, G-od will heed and save. 

Behold, he prayeth. Is there not a mark of 
advancement here? We were hopeful, when the 



38 LOVE TRUTHS FROM THE BIBLE. 

sinner was prostrate upon the ground : are we not 
much more encouraged, when told, that he prays ? 
He is not now subject to the heat and glare of the 
noon-day sun on the way to Damascus. He is 
under the refreshing shelter of a friendly home : 
therefore his brain is clear ; he has full opportunity 
for sober thought ; and as his first care on receiving 
the revelation of Christ, was the enormity of his 
sin ; so now his great concern is, may I be forgiven ? 
may I be freed from the " body of this death?" 
wretched man ! let thy tears fall ; let thy soul 
rise up; let thy petitions ascend; pray! pray! 
for every sin of thine weighs heavier upon the 
heart of God, than all nature's frame upon His 
hands : every aspiration of thine for purity and 
innocence is to Him a dearer treasure, than the 
brightest star that shines : every effort of thine for 
a higher life, is hailed by Him with more rejoicing, 
than the creation of new worlds ; and every prayer 
of thine for acceptance in Christ is to Him far sweeter 
music, than the richest harp in heaven. 

Next we contemplate Saul as connecting himself 
with the visible church. "And immediately there 
fell from his eyes as it had been scales : and he 
received sight forthwith, and arose, and was bap- 
tized." To a mind, well disciplined like that of 
Saul of Tarsus, organization and government were 
of the highest consideration. He was naturally 
compelled to regard division as weakness, union as 
strength. Besides this, from the nature of his edu- 
cation in Greek, Latin and Hebrew learning, he 
doubtless from his youth had entertained a respect 
for law. This opinion finds confirmation in the 
fact, that when about to enter upon the persecution 



LOVE TRUTHS FROM THE BIBLE. 39 

of the Christians at Damascus, he went first to the 
High Priest to obtain letters giving him authority. 
After his conversion this constructive tendency of 
his disposition led him at once to identify himself 
with the people of Grod : therefore he was baptized. 
At that time baptism signified connection with the 
visible church ; and it would be so to-day, (in prac- 
tice as well as theory,) were it not for the neglect 
of parents, elders and pastors. If the church were 
more attentive to her baptized members, her extent 
would soon be more commensurate with the faithful- 
fulness of her doctrine to the teachings of scrip- 
ture. 

Humility had begotten prayer, and prayer had 
brought both the converting power of the Spirit 
immediately from God, and the miracle working 
power of the spirit mediately by the laying on of 
the hands of Ananias. Then after this when the 
scales had fallen from his eyes, when he also beheld 
the light of the other world which is Jesus Christ, 
he made a public profession of his faith in the act 
of baptism. He knew that the way to see Christ — 
was to see him, as exemplified in his true disciples ; 
that one of the highest proofs of his love for Christ 
would be a regard for those who love the Lord ; 
that the means of enjoying communion with Christ 
was by association with those who, when even two 
or three are gathered together, have the promise 
of the divine presence, that the appointed channel of 
receiving nourishment and strength from Christ 
was through his body, which is the church : and 
hence the promptness of his action . It was the lying 
down of the wolf with the lamb, of the leopard 



40 LOVE TRUTHS FROM THE BIBLE. 

with the kid. It was the fierce enemy of the cross, 
taking position with its most devoted friends. It 
was the Samson of the world's wisdom giving 
up his strength, not in a Delilah's lap, but in the 
embrace of the heavenly bride, descending out of 
heaven from God, " having the glory of God : and 
the light was like unto a stone most precious, even 
like a jasper-stone clear as crystal." 

Next we find Paul at work. " And straightway 
he preached Christ in the synagogues, that he is 
the Son of God." Of an ardent and resolute nature, 
possessed of quick sympathies and a clear judgment, 
Paul doubtless never held a half-way opinion on 
any question, he was never lukewarm in any cause. 
Whatever was his faith, Jewish or Christian, he 
embraced it with energy and zeal ; and therefore 
he was ready, not only to contend for its defence, 
but also to labor for the extension of its influence. 
Accordingly, as soon as he had fallen under the power 
of the spirit, had acknowledged his allegiance to 
Christ, and had been enrolled among the disciples ; 
the work of serving the Master by making known 
the truth to others immediately began. Rejoicing 
now himself in the liberty of the sons of God, he 
longed to bring freedom to others ; especially as he 
had for years endeavored to fasten upon others the 
sin-fetters of unbelief. The remembrance of his 
opposition to Christ and of his violent persecution of 
the Christians urged him to make the utmost en- 
deavors as far as possible to recompense for the evil 
he had done. He therefore entered upon his work, 
with all the enthusiasm of one, who had long been 
wandering in darkness but had suddenly come to 
the light ; of one, who had been committing a fear- 



LOYE TRUTHS FROM THE BIBLE. 41 

ful wrong against God and man, but now had dis- 
covered his mistake, and was determined henceforth 
to live for no other cause than to establish the 
kingdom of Christ throughout the world. • 

There is a beautiful, little tract, called — The Star- 
less Crown. It tells of a maiden, who in a dream 
went to heaven and was given a crown ; but was 
much grieved, when she saw that the crowns of 
many others were begemmed with stars ; while hers 
had none, because she had brought no souls to 
Christ. For the sake of the cause Paul was willing 
to be considered the very off-scouring of the earth ; 
but he was ambitious of being a nobleman, a prince 
in heaven ; and knowing the great compensation to 
those, who labor in the Master's vineyard, he con- 
secrated all that he was and had, to the saving of 
souls. Whatever were his circumstances on earth, 
he was content ; but he aimed at nothing else than 
the highest honors in the future world ; and these 
he sought to attain, not by the frauds and shams of 
modern politicians. He endeavored to earn them by 
faithful service ; for, though it is true, that all the 
gifts of God are of grace ; it is also true, that even so 
small an act as the giving of a cup of cold water 
in a Christian spirit, will by no means lose its re- 
ward. " And the King shall answer and say unto 
them, verily, I say unto you, inasmuch as ye have 
done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, 
ye have done it unto me." 

Consider the advancement now reached by St. 
Paul. From the uncompromising foe, he has 
changed to the earnest advocate of the truth. He 
has not only deserted the ranks of the enemy ; he has 
enlisted for life in the army of the Lord : and never 
3* 



413 LOVE TRUTHS FROM THE BIBLE. 

in any warfare, never on any battle-field did soldier 
ever contend more faithfully, more gallantly, more 
successfully for victory, than did this grand old 
Christian warrior, in endeavoring to conquer the 
world for the King of kings. No land was too dis- 
tant ; no danger too threatening ; no difficulty too 
arduous ; no trial too severe ; wherever and when- 
ever there was an opportunity of preaching the 
gospel. As his own statement is, " in all things 
approving ourselves as the minsters of God, in 
much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in dis- 
tresses, in stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in 
labors, in watchings, in fastings ; by pureness, by 
knowledge, by long-suffering, by kindness, by the 
Holy Ghost, by love unfeigned, by the word of 
truth, by the power of God, by the armor of righte- 
ousness on the right hand and on the left, by honor, 
and dishonor, by evil report and good report ; as 
deceivers, and yet true ; as unknown, and yet well 
known ; as dying, and behold we live ; as chastened, 
and not killed ; as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing ; 
as poor, yet making many rich ; as having nothing, 
and yet possessing all things." He could therefore 
well exclaim at the close of his useful and eventful 
life; "I have fought a good fight ; I have finisbed 
my course ; I have kept the faith ; henceforth tbere 
is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which 
the Lord, the righteous Judge, shall give me at 
that day." 

We come now to what was most commendable, 
most praiseworthy in St. Paul's record ; namely, 
his suffering for Christ, finally culminating in his 
martyr's death at Rome. " And after that many 
days were fulfilled, the Jews took counsel to kill 



LOVE TRUTHS FROM THE BIBLE. 43 

him." If religion were all happiness, the gate of 
course would not be strait, the way not narrow ; 
and instead of a few, there would be many in search 
of eternal life. Unfortunately to the discomfort of 
indolence and selfishness, but fortunately for the 
development of true character, the commandment is, 
" he that would come after me, let him deny him- 
self, and take up his cross daily, and follow me." 
Another declaration is, "all that will live godly in 
Christ Jesus, shall suffer persecution." Now the 
cause of this necessity is the presence of sin ; yet 
the enduring of trials by Christians should always 
be regarded as a gracious ordering of God for the 
perfecting of his children. Are not our souls 
whitened by the waters of affliction ? Are they 
not purified by the fires of suffering ? As some 
one has beautifully said, <c from our hearts Grod 
takes the thorn, and makes the rose of it. Out of 
our griefs our purest joys are born. From out the 
ashes of our pleasures lost, spring up the snow- 
white flowers of peace." There is a winning grace 
about those made patient and submissive by trial, 
which even man so dull and slow of heart, can 
appreciate. The refining thus secured to the soul, 
is of much more value to Grod, whose delight is not 
in burnt offerings, but in a broken and contrite 
spirit. 

After his conversion Paul became sensible of the 
vicious effects, which his misguided zeal had had up- 
on his character. He realized that he had been 
cultivating a spirit, directly opposed to what was 
Christ-like ; and therefore he was even anxious to 
pass under the rod, to submit to the discipline of 
trial, that he might be renewed in the spirit of his 



44 LOVE TRUTHS FROM THE BIBLE. 

mind ; that he might put on the new man, which 
after God, is created in righteousness and true holi- 
ness ; that, as a diamond is polished for setting in 
the crown of a king, so he might be made meet for 
the Master's use, and be received when Christ shall 
come to make up his jewels. There was no danger 
of his being overwhelmed by overmuch suffering ; 
for his reliance was, not upon his own strength, but 
the strength of God ; having the assurance that he 
would always come forth more than conqueror 
through him that loved him. He was always 
bearing about in his body the dying of the Lord 
Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made 
manifest in him ; and we venture to affirm, that 
among the redeemed of earth that rejoice in heaven 
to-day, there is none with a prouder title ; none 
with a more princely bearing ; none with a more 
God-like grandeur about him, than the beloved 
apostle to the Gentiles. 

We have now reached a climax in Paul's expe- 
rience. He started from Jerusalem a bigoted, intol- 
erant Jew, bent upon the destruction of all those at 
Damascus, who called upon the name of the Lord 
Jesus ; not even helpless woman escaping the hatred 
of his fiendish spirit. But we observe humility, 
when he is prostrate upon the ground ; then prayer, 
when it is said, behold, he prayeth ; then obedience, 
when he is baptized ; then work, when he preaches 
Christ in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God ; 
and then suffering, when the Jews take counsel to 
kill him. How wonderful the change ! such trans- 
formations do not occur by the power of man. 
Only by the power of almighty God are souls thus 
redeemed, regenerated, renewed. 



LOVE TRUTHS FROM THE BIBLE. 45 

They at Damascus were amazed. Ah ! The world 
is always surprised, whenever any of its number 
turn out of the broad way, leading to destruction, 
into the narrow way, leading unto life. By them 
the motives and objects of Christian endeavor cannot 
be understood. Like Nicodemus, they are ready to 
ask in astonishment, " How can these things be? " 
And just in proportion as there is spiritual develop- 
ment, their wonder is increased, that men like 
unto themselves should pursue such phantoms of 
hope, while all the splendid realities of the present 
are so inviting, and so easily enjoyed. God, have 
mercy upon the foolish, misguided world. We say 
mercy, for if any of us have been taken from the 
horrible pit out of the miry clay ; if any of us have 
been placed upon the rock ; if any of us have been 
given the new song ; not unto us, no, not unto us, 
but unto God alone does all the praise belong. 
My friends, is our religion a growth, an advance- 
ment ? Are we humble, prayerful, obedient, useful, 
and willing to suffer in the Master's cause? Are 
we endeavoring to grow in grace and the knowledge 
of our Lord and Master, Jesus Christ? Are we 
pressing forward toward the mark for the prize of 
the high calling of God in Christ Jesus? Are we 
striving to ascend where Moses stood, to obtain a 
clearer view of the land of promise ? May we all 
ascend so far, as to be received at last: life's con- 
flict all over, the victory won ; life's sorrows all past, 
God's own peace pervading our souls ; our immor- 
tal longings fully satisfied; Jesus, Heaven and our 
dear ones ours forever ; " Love, rest, and home, 
sweet home." 



46 LOVE TRUTHS FROM THE BIBLE. 



THE KOCK HIGHER THAN I. 
" Lead me to the Rock that is higher than I." — Psalm lxi : 2. 

The genius for poetry and vocal music among the 
Hebrews, found expression in their psalms. They 
seem to have been written in some kind of measure, 
and were chanted, accompanied by instruments. 
These compositions are remarkable for the history, 
moral philosophy, prayer, praise, adoration, and 
Messianic intimations they contain. To quote from 
Lange's introduction to his commentary on the 
book ; "these Psalms are as manifold in contents, 
tone and color, as the agitated life of David him- 
self ; and reflect most instructively, as in a mirror, 
the changing emotions of a heart as tender as it 
was brave. We hear his cry of anguish and his 
shout of joy ; the tearful wail of sorrow, and the 
courageous expression of his trust in God ; the peni- 
tential prayer of the broken hearted sinner ; the 
joyful thanksgiving of the favored one ; the wisdom 
of an experienced sufferer, who knows that his life is 
hid in God ; the shepherd's voice of the prince ; 
the royal word of the hero ; the prophetic utterance 
of the seer." In the great variety of heart and 
soul experiences that abound in the Psalms, in their 
unequalled expression of the inner life, every one 
may find what is suited to his condition ; and when 
we call to mind the inspiration of Scripture, we 
recognize the fact that our experiences are of inte- 
rest to God ; and with this thought comes the con- 
solation we need. 



LOVE TRUTHS FROM THE BIBLE. 47 

There were many reverses of fortune in the life 
of David. He had much to enjoy, yet also much to 
surfer ; and what intensified his grief was the fact, 
that those who should have been the greatest source 
of comfort and strength, were not unfrequently his 
cruel foes. "It was not an enemy that reproached 
me ; then could I have borne it : neither was it he 
that hated me that did magnify himself against me ; 
then I would have hid myself from him : but it was 
thou, man, mine equal, my guide, and mine ac- 
quaintance. We took sweet counsel together, and 
walked unto the house of God in company." The 
61st Psalm was doubtless written by David while in 
exile, occasioned either by Absalom or Saul. He is 
far from Jerusalem, deprived of the privileges of 
the temple ; and realizing the uncertainty, the 
insufficiency, and the transient nature of all things 
earthly, we hear him breathe this prayer; " Lead 
me to the Rock that is higher than I." Nothing 
could more fitly express his helpless condition. 
Nothing could better reveal his profound conscious- 
ness of self-weakness, and of his great need of 
more than a human refuge. God had been a shel- 
ter and a strong tower in the past ; and now when 
the Psalmist's heart is overwhelmed, when he is far 
from home, he calls upon God to hear his cry, to 
attend unto his prayer. 

It must be admitted, that our text is a confession 
of frailty. We are born into the world ; grow up 
from childhood, and become conscious of ourselves 
as differing from the objects about us, so that we 
discover ourselves to be members of an altogether 
separate class. But still more, we become cogni- 
zant of ourselves as possessed of certain endow- 



48 LOVE TRUTHS FROM THE BIBLE. 

merits, that widely distinguish us from the rest of 
creation ; that enable us to rise above the circum- 
stances of our condition ; that to a large measure, 
give us the power to order events to our own advan- 
tage, and thus entitle us to an unquestioned pre- 
eminence. The oak is strong ; the gazelle is beau- 
tiful ; the precious stones of the earth and sea, all 
have a value that is known and prized, and every 
object in animate and inanimate nature has some 
quality of commendation : but only man, in the 
capacity and variety of his constitution, in what 
he is able to be and to do, is formed to be in the 
hands of his God, "A crown of glory and a dia- 
dem of beauty." 

This much is evident, and we cannot be robbed 
of the truth. No science can ever lead us to regard 
ourselves as mere developments of a lower form of 
existence, and no philosophy can reason us into 
the belief. Our reliance is upon the facts of conscious- 
ness and revelation, which no definition or specula- 
tion can destroy. As Christ said to Nicodemus, 
" We speak that we do know;" and therefore we 
will not, we cannot accept any explanation of our 
existence, that calls in question the Divine origin 
and the innate greatness of human nature. Accord- 
ingly, if man rise not above the base things about 
him, it is not because he has never known a higher 
life : he is as an eagle whose upward flight has 
been stayed. If his condition now be one of dark- 
ness, it is not because he has never known the 
light : he is as a star that has ceased to shine. If 
his position now be in the dust ; it is not because 
he has never enjoyed an exaltation : he is as a mon- 
arch who has been dethroned. If his record now 



LOVE TRUTHS FROM THE BIBLE. 49 

be one of guilt and defilement, it is not because 
his origin was not in innocence and purity ; he is 
as a brooklet from the river of life, into which have 
fallen the dregs and impurities of earth. He is 
God's workmanship, created in righteousness and 
true holiness ; and though sin has blighted the fair 
creation ; though the glory of the Divine grace has 
faded from the soul ; do not despise the temple in 
ruins, the fallen royalty ; but look you well to what 
remains, and hope for a better day. 

Man's condition is one of weakness and infirmity. 
All that has been said of him by way of commen- 
dation is true, yet there are laws and limitations 
and restraints of various kinds, that circumscribe 
his life, and prevent the full enjoyment of the gifts 
in possession. His physical organization, wonder- 
ful and perfect as it is, yields to disease and death. 
His intellect, keen and far reaching as it is, is often 
led astray and gathers in : much chaff instead of 
golden grain. His heart, quick and appreciative as 
it is in appropriating the objects adapted to excite 
pleasure, is never satisfied: and his hand, skill- 
ful and active as it is in daily toil, often does not 
accomplish as much as necessity demands. 

So then, in our strength we are weak ; in our 
riches we are poor ; in our abundance we suffer ; 
for purposes are crossed, plans are not executed, 
and hopes perish. Cares and afflictions follow fast 
upon each other. The bloom fades from the cheek, 
and now there are long, deep furrows made by tears. 
But do not advancing years promise relief? Not so ! 

" Backward, turn backward, O time in thy flight ; 
Make me a child again, if only to night." 



50 LOVE TRUTHS FROM THE BIBLE. 

This expresses the desire of the old ; for in child- 
hood there is at least the bliss of ignorance ; and 
there is a temptation to ask, is it not folly to be 
wise, when wisdom implies old age, and old age, 
sorrow? In view of all this here is the natural 
language of the soul: "Oh that I had wings like 
a dove ! for then would I fly away, and be at rest. 
Lo, then I would wander far off, and remain in the 
wilderness. I would hasten my escape from the 
windy storm and tempest." 

Man is the mere sport of sin, sorrow and care ; 
each doing its utmost for his destruction : one, by 
separating him from God ; another, by crushing 
the buds of hope ; another, by filling life with un- 
rest ; and in his frailty he is unable to resist their 
influence. Thus beset with difficulties and trials, 
tossed to and fro upon the ocean of life at the mercy 
of the waves, and realizing that help can be ob- 
tained, neither within himself, nor from others, he 
seeks a higher power, upon which to rely. He 
learns from sad experience, that amid the forces 
that are active all about him, over which he has but 
little control, there is need of protection from 
above. A sense of weakness and entire dependence, 
one of the chief essentials to religion, bears down 
upon the soul ; his earnest desire then is, to be- 
come strong in God and in the power of his might : 
and accordingly, the prayer is heard, " Lead me to 
to the Kock that is higher than I." Lead me ! as 
if he were helpless. Lead me ! as if he had lost his 
way. To the Rock ! as if hitherto he had been stand- 
upon the drifting sand. To the Rock! as if he longed 
for a foundation that would never be moved. That 
is higher than I ! as if he had found all earthly sup- 



LOVE TRUTHS FROM THE BIBLE. 51 

ports to be insufficient. That is higher than 1 1 as 
if he were assured, that somewhere there is a power 
that would counteract the impediments of time and 
sense ; that would afford to human nature an 
unbounded opportunity for development ; that would 
realize all our lofty ideals and dreams ; that would 
remove all obstructions from the upward and on- 
ward path to perfection. 

But observe in the next place, that our text is an 
expression of need from an immortal nature ; from 
a nature that cannot die. Whence we come, and 
whither we go, are questions that cannot be answered 
apart from revelation. Life appears, passes through 
various changes, and then disappears. The bell 
tolls ; the man of God speaks what words of com- 
fort he can ; and friends for the last time press their 
lips to the marble brow. 

" Her hands are cold ; her face is white ; 
No more her pulses come and go ; 
Her eyes are closed to life and light; 
Fold the white vesture, snow on snow, 
And lay her where the violets blow." 

Spring passes into summer ; summer into autumn ; 
autumn into winter ; and thus the years pass on 
like a river to the sea : but however useful when 
in life, however fondly cherished while with us ; 
however painfully our hearts ache in the separa- 
tion, we never , never hear again from the dead. 
The earth is silent ; the grave tells no tale ; the 
beloved form is seen only in imagination ; the low, 
sweet voice is heard only in dreams ; and how 
naturally comes to the lips the complaint of Mirza: 
" man was made in vain ; given away to misery and 



52 LOVE TRUTHS FROM THE BIBLE. 

mortality ; tortured in life and swallowed up in 
death." 

But were it true, that man is altogether swal- 
lowed up in death, we scarcely think that he would 
shrink from dying ; excepting as there would be a 
desire to escape physical pain ; for then — to die- 
would be to cease to be ; and not to be — would be — 
not to know, not to feel, therefore, not to suffer. 
But there is a dread of dissolution ; and this is not 
because we are satisfied with our condition, and 
opposed to any change ; for our actual state is one of 
discontent : nor is it because of an existing attach- 
ment to possessions and friends ; for the poor and 
the friendless are no exceptions to the rule. The 
explanation is found in the fact, that the soul, con- 
scious of in-dwelling life, is sensitive to every 
adverse influence : its spirit of immortality shud- 
ders at the very thought of dissolution ; and like 
the gentle flower shivering in the cold autumn 
wind, the soul trembles in the presence of even 
physical death : not because there is actually any 
danger of its being destroyed, but because of the 
very antagonism, existing between such opposites 
as life and death. The wages of sin is death ; and 
how terrible the penalty as regards only the 
loathing aversion created in the soul ! more than 
what exile is to the patriot ; what slavery is to the 
freeman ; what darkness is to the creature of light; 
death is to the human spirit that cannot die. 

Accordingly, amid the destruction constantly 
going on when everywhere the king of terrors is 
filling homes with sorrow and gloom, the soul — 
conscious that it must live forever, yet haunted by 
fears, seeks an abiding refuge. No material struc- 



LOVE TRUTHS FROM THE BIBLE. 53 

ture will answer in this hour of need ; no theory of 
the human intellect ; no device whatever of a tem- 
poral character. A refuge is needed that will resist 
every destructive influence ; that will outlast the 
wrecks of time ; that will co-exist with eternity ; 
and therefore the prayer is offered, " Lead me to 
the rock that is higher than I." 

The impulses of an endless life, the gift of God 
in Eden, and still retained through all our sin, stir 
within us ; and turning away with horror from the 
contemplation of mortality, our souls long, u yea 
even faint for the courts of the Lord ; our hearts 
and our flesh cry out for the living God." Oh 
humanity, so frail yet immortal! " strengthen ye 
the weak hands and confirm the feeble knees." 
"Say to them of a fearful heart, be strong: fear 
not : " for there is a hiding place from the wind; 
there is a covert from the storm ; there is a great 
rock in this thirsty land : and this rock is Christ. 
This is the stone, cut out without hands. It smote 
the image ; it has become a great mountain ; it 
is destined to cover the whole earth. This is the 
living stone, spoken of by St. Peter; " Disallowed 
indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious." 
This is the Rock of Ages ; the measure thereof longer 
than the earth, broader than the sea, high as heaven. 

Here is the refuge for the children of men in 
their frailty. Sin is the cause of their infirmity ; its 
penalties are the limitations and afflictions they 
suffer : but Christ was manifested to take away sin; 
who bear our sins in His own body on the tree. 
Accordingly, there is for the weary and heavy 
laden — the rest that remaineth for the people of 
God: there is for the weak — the strength that will 



54 LOVE TRUTHS FROM THE BIBLE. 

enable them to run, and not be weary ; to walk, 
and not be faint : there is for the deceived — the 
truth that will make them free : there is for those 
walking in darkness, the light that shineth more 
and more unto the perfect day : there is for those 
who know not whither they go,, the way that leadeth 
unto life. Relying upon Christ, our souls will be 
kept from distress, our eyes from tears, our feet 
from falling ; and the only reason why we can 
affirm with such confidence, that " earth has no 
sorrow which heaven cannot cure," is because that 
in Jesus human grief finds a friend all its own. 

" His presence has a wondrous power ; 
The sharpest thorn becomes a flower, 
And breathes a sweet perfume. 
Whate'er was dark and sad before, 
With happy light shines silvered o'er; 
There's no such thing as gloom." 

Through Him we may subdue kingdoms, and out 
of weakness be made strong. We may come forth 
more than conquerors through Him that loved us; 
we may take up the song of David ; ci the Lord is 
my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer ; the 
God of my rock ; in Him will I trust." 

Here also is the refuge for the children of men in 
their immortality. " The sting of death is sin ; 
and the strength of sin is the law ; but thanks be 
unto God, who giveth us the victory through our 
Lord Jesus Christ!" The soul is comforted by 
the assurance, that it will not be harmed by the 
death of the body ; also that the body itself shall 
be at last restored. But this is not all ; for Jesus said 
to Martha, "lam the resurrection and the life ; he 
that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall 



LOYE TRUTHS FROM THE BIBLE. 55 

he live ; and whosoever liveth and believeth in me, 
shall never die ; " that is, shall never suffer banish- 
ment from the divine presence. Our " lives become 
hid with Christ in God." Because he lives, we shall 
live also. God's immortality becomes the pledge of 
ours. Thus belief in Christ brings deliverance from 
death ; the effect of which is an exaltation of both 
soul and body to dwell with God forever. To the 
Christian, who is able to rejoice with Job in the 
knowledge that his Kedeemer liveth, and that in the 
flesh he shall see God, death has lost his sting, the 
grave her victory ; for, for him to live is Christ, and 
to die is gain. Resting upon a sure foundation, and 
unmoved by destruction about him, he is ready, 
whensoever the summons may come, to depart in 
peace. What is life without this triumph over 
death! and how can we triumph but in Christ? 
" Lead me to the rock that is higher than I ! " 

" And there arose a great storm of wind, and the 
waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full. 
And He was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep 
on a pillow ; and they awake Him, and say unto 
Him, Master carest thou not that we perish ? And 
He arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the 
sea, peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and 
there was a great calm." Just so, amid the mis- 
fortunes, the disappointments, the dangers of life, 
and amid the surging waves of death, we must go 
to Jesus. He never sleepeth now, and is ever ready 
to minister relief. We will not be exempt from 
storms in this life. They will overtake us as they 
do others. Amid the clouds and darkness surround- 
ing us, we may sometimes be tempted to think, 
that the sun will never shine again : but cast within 



56 LOVE TRUTHS FROM THE BIBLE. 

the veil, our anchor will be sure and steadfast ; we 
shall never be overcome ; we shall never be swept 
away ; and the precious truth will ever be present 
to the mind, that if the earthly house of this taber- 
nacle be dissolved, we shall have a building of God, 
a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. 
Beautiful and sublime indeed is the Christian's hope 
beyond the grave ! It gleams along his earthly 
course like a pathway of gold. It brightens the 
horizon of his life like the sun rising from the sea 
in the East. The heart is nerved for trial. True 
manhood is developed. A stimulus is given to ac- 
tion. An object is afforded to thought and imagina- 
tion, that draws away the mind from the vicious 
and degrading, and directs attention, affection and 
effort to what is elevating and divine. Let us not 
forget that we live in the present, but also remem- 
ber that the present is only useful as it marks the 
way to the future ; and what we shall be in the 
many mansions, what we shall be in the companion- 
ship of God, should be the inspiration to life and 
character. » 

Even now the rain is descending ; the floods are 
gathering ; the winds are beating fiercely against 
us ; what is our foundation ? Is it Christ ? If so, 
it is well. Our house is built upon a rock: it will 
not, it can not fall ; so that we may joyfully sing, 
"the Lord of Hosts is with us;" "the God of 
Jacob is our refuge :" therefore, we " will not fear, 
though the earth be removed, and though the moun- 
tains be carried into the midst of the sea." But if 
not Christ, if not Christ ! woe, woe unto us ! 
for our house is built upon the sand: It will, it 
must fall ; for there is no other name given under 



LOVE TRUTHS FROM THE BIBLE. 57 

heaven, whereby we can be saved. Upon this rock 
alone God has founded his church ; and the promise 
is, that the gates of hell shall not prevail against 
it : therefore " lead me to the rock that is higher 
than I ! " It will be a shelter from the persecutions 
of the world. It will be a stronghold against the 
wiles of the adversary. It will be a refuge amid all 
the bufTetings of life. Surely and safely it will 
direct our way to heaven. 

" Kock of ages, cleft for me, 
Let me hide myself in thee." 



58 LOVE TRUTHS FROM THE BIBLE. 



CHRIST AT PRAYER. 

"And it came to pass in those days, that He went out into 
a mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to 
God."— St. Luke, vi : 12. 

Prayer from man to God is in accordance with 
their relation to each other, as creature and Crea- 
tor. When the former awakes to consciousness, 
and discovers the origin of his existence, what is 
more natural, than that he should seek to commu- 
nicate with Him, who, heing the Creator, must 
have had a purpose in creation ; who, being the 
author of human life, must have intended that life 
to accomplish some end. It is true, that the thing 
formed — may not say to Him that formed it, why 
hast thou made me thus? for that might justly 
be condemned as presumption : But being gifted 
with powers of knowing and appreciating — at least 
to some extent, the divine purpose of His existence, 
surely man should seek communion with God ; if 
for no other reason than to ask, what wilt thou 
have me to do? In a world where there are so 
many influences at work, where the paths of pur- 
suit are so various and numerous, and there is so 
much danger of going astray ; we cannot direct 
ourselves aright : and constant information as to 
our proper course of action, from one possessed of 
all perfections, would be of the greatest advantage 
in the affairs of life. The promise is, "I will instruct 
thee, and will teach thee in the way which thou 



LOYE TRUTHS FROM THE BIBLE. 59 

shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye." Shall 
we not ask, when the Lord is so ready to hear ? 

But is not prayer also a necessity of human 
nature? to the thoughtful and earnest — even among 
the happy and successful, often comes the long- 
ing for a sympathy, compared with which the 
desire for friends, riches, influence or possessions, is 
utterly insignificant. It haunts the mind in hours 
of employment, and moves the heart in the gayest 
scenes of pleasure. It does not vanish before the 
sunlight ; and if sleep perchance be driven from the 
eyes, it is most present in the still, solemn hour of 
night. That hour, when the soul has leisure to look 
in upon itself ; when the possibilities of the future 
pass in rapid review ; and when thronging into con- 
sciousness, come those thousands of needs too deep 
for tears. This longing for more than the earth 
affords, for more than human sympathy, has its 
source in the very depths of being ; and it only 
finds expression in some such words as these : (as 
the heart panteth after the water-brooks, so panteth 
rny soul after thee, God !) 

But again, there is with nearly every one — to a 
greater or less extent, a fear of coming evil, a sort 
of indescribable dread that some affliction will 
occur ; some disease set in ; some tie be severed ; 
some hope destroyed ; some dream dispelled ; that 
that life will be made unhappy ; that in some way 
or other the future will be for the worse. This 
opinion originates in that impression so prevalent 
among men, that they are urged on in this, or that 
direction by an uncontrollable and unalterable 
force ; variously known as fate, necessity, or des- 
tiny ; and to escape this thought of fatalism, so 



60 LOVE TRUTHS FROM THE BIBLE. 

repulsive to the immortal soul, they turn instinct- 
ively to God ; trusting to His omnipotence to pre- 
serve them from danger, and preferring to regard 
themselves as governed by a person, rather than 
by a relentless law. How precious the truth that 
there is one all-supreme Being, who regards His 
creatures as children ; who knows all their wants, 
and will abundantly supply them as far as con- 
sistent with their good. Thus naturally, necessa- 
rily, and in order to obtain an assurance of safety, 
there is recourse to prayer. 

Now we might consider Christ in the character 
of a preacher ; that is as making known the divine 
will tothe people : but at present we are to consider 
Him in the character of a suppliant ; that is, as 
making known the human will to God. His speak- 
ing on the one hand as one possessing authority, 
indicates how really divine He was ; while His 
speaking on the other hand as one under authority, 
shows how intensely human was the Saviour. Thus 
we often read of Him as praying ; using just the 
same expressions of supplication for Himself and 
others, that are characteristic of human nature ; 
excepting of course confessions of sin, which have 
no place in His petitions. When we call to mind 
how frequently it is recorded that Christ engaged 
in prayer, it almost seems that all the time He had 
to spare from healing and preaching, was devoted 
to that delightful employment. The fact is, He 
was willing to remain on earth to accomplish His 
mission ; but absent from a pleasant home, He 
desired to communicate with the dear ones He had 
left, and to receive in return some message of com- 



LOVE TRUTHS FROM THE BIBLE. 61 

fort and love ; especially needed at the time, to 
which our text refers. 

First then, as to the occasion ef Christ's prayer. 

He had been teaching in the synagogue on the 
Sabbath day ; and the Pharisees, who a short time 
before had been rebuked by Him for calling in 
question the right of His Disciples to gather and 
eat corn from the field on the Sabbath day, together 
with the Scribes, now watched Him whether He 
would heal on the Sabbath day ; that they might 
bring an accusation against Him. But He knew 
their thoughts, and said to a man that had a withered 
hand, rise up, and stand forth in the midst. And he 
arose, and stood forth. Then came from Jesus the 
searching question ; I will ask you one thing ; is it 
lawful on the Sabbath days to do good, or to do 
evil? to save life, or to destroy it ? They answered 
nothing ; but Jesus looking round about upon them 
all, said to the man, stretch forth thy hand, he did 
so ; and his hand was restored whole as the other. 
We are then told, that they were filled with mad- 
ness : and communed one with another what they 
might do to Jesus : and then it is said, that it came 
to pass in those days, that He went out into a moun- 
tain to pray. 

When his actions are misjudged, when his 
motives are called in question, when the world 
frowns, when oppositions arise, when men take 
counsel together against him ; to whom does a 
good man go, but to his God ? Elsewhere hatred 
may be against him ; but there, never ! elsewhere 
curses may be heaped upon him ; but there never! 
elsewhere efforts may be for his destruction ; but 
there, never ! " When my father and my mother 



62 LOVE TRUTHS FROM THE BIBLE. 

forsake me, then the Lord will take me up." This 
is the principle, acted upon by the true servants of 
God ; so that whether merely neglected, or actually 
slighted ; whether merely annoyed, or actually dis- 
tressed ; whether merely persecuted, or actually 
sought to be destroyed ; there is always one, to 
whom they can go with no fear of being repelled, but 
with full assurance of being received, and of being 
refreshed with the gift of the Holy Spirit ; never so 
much appreciated, as when human sympathy and 
human consolations are withdrawn. It really seems 
that God often takes away the earthly supports, 
leaned upon too strongly by His children ; just for 
the purpose of leading them to rely more upon 
Himself. Nay ! He often takes away the dear, 
living human things, about whom the tendrils of 
our hearts twine so fondly ; just for the purpose of 
directing our attention more to that spirit land, 
where with Him and with them we shall one day 
realize that perfect happiness, here longed for, but 
here never known. 

The nature of Christ was of so delicate a mould, 
that a single word or thought of dislike, directed 
against Him, must have caused Him pain. But 
instead of this small degree of opposition, there 
was, in £he whole ruling class of the country, 
prompted by fiendish malice, a deep seated purpose 
to do Him injury, and finally to put Him to death : 
yet marvellous to say ! He never once shrunk from 
duty : He pressed steadily on in the accomplish- 
ment of His mission : never discouraged by His 
trials ; never doubting of success. Ever calm ; 
ever gentle ; ever hopeful ; ever patient ; answer- 
ing the cavils against His good deeds by perform- 



LOVE TRUTHS FROM THE BIBLE. 63 

ing others, and meeting the violent rejection of His 
doctrine, by revealing more and more of the word 
of life. The only secret of such self-possession in 
the face of so much opposition, was communion 
with His Heavenly Father. The example of all 
saints, both in sacred and profane history, illustrate 
the same truth. If we would rise superior to all 
the adverse circumstances of life, we must live in 
constant communion with Him who hath said, ask, 
and ye shall receive. 

Thus, on the occasion under review, weary and 
saddened by the envy and hatred that pursued Him 
like harpies, ravenous for their prey ; the son of 
man, needing to be sustained and strengthened, 
sought the lonely mountain top at the close of day — 
to meet with God. In another's language, "the 
very wildness and silence of indifferent nature, not 
ODly affording Him a delightful refuge from the 
noise, meanness and malignity of men, but also 
elevating His thoughts and feelings into a holy 
calm," and adjusting them in sweet accord with 
that spirit, given unto Him without measure. It 
was a meeting of the three species of existence ; 
nature, humanity, divinity : nature, passive ; man, 
submissive ; God, supreme ; nature, asking nothing ; 
God, ready to give ; and man, alone in want —of 
that sympathy, denied to him among his fellow- 
men, but here found in such an abundance, as at 
once to satisfy the heart, and strengthen the soul 
for another day's task. Scribe and Pharisee might 
pursue Him with the most deadly opposition and 
enmity : they might accuse Him of unfaithfulness 
to the law of Moses : they might endeavor to mis- 
represent and convict Him before the people and the 



64 LOVE TRUTHS FROM THE BIBLE. 

Roman Governor, in order to wither and blight His 
life and spirit: but as long as He had this source of 
relief ; as long as He could receive counsel and com- 
fort from above ; their efforts were powerless to 
accomplish their object. Even when apparently most 
successful, that is, in the hour of His crucifixion, 
they utterly failed : for Jesus was enabled to say, 
Father, into Thy hands I commend my spirit. To be 
strong in God, and in the power of His might, is 
a victory, a triumph, which can be equalled by 
nothing in the universe : and this victory, this 
triumph is obtained through prayer. 

Note also that Christ prayed alone. It was by no 
means a phantasy, that in early times led men to 
court solitude for communion with God : A cor- 
rupted manifestation of which holy desire is to be 
seen in the monasteries and nunneries of to-day. 
There is in retirement a much better opportunity 
for collecting one's thoughts ; in truth, more hon- 
esty in the examination of one's motives and inten- 
tions, and a more accurate perception of one's duties 
and obligations ; hence a more earnest, sincere con- 
fession before God. Besides, is it not in silence 
that we stand for the first time in the presence of 
old ocean? and as his giant waves lash the trem- 
bling shore, lose ourselves in thoughts of the bound- 
less expanse and depth? Is it not in almost obli- 
vion to the things about him, that the astronomer 
looks away into the heavens, so near, and yet so far?, 
and as his eye wanders through the ethereal depths, 
permits his mind to expand and glow with thoughts 
of what may be in those myriad worlds ? Certainly 
then, to secure that peculiar elevation of the spirit 
that comes with the contemplation of the Infinite, 



LOVE TRUTHS FROM THE BIBLE. 65 

God, who is the embodiment of all that is great and 
grand, must be, must.be met alone. The Psalmist 
understood this when he said, commune with your 
own heart upon your bed, and be still. The assem- 
bling of ourselves together for public worship 
should never cease. It is to edification and a divine 
command. But it is in secret prayer that the 
soul is prepared for the daily conflict with sin ; 
that such confidence is inspired as will urge us to 
go forth to the duties of life ; that such measures of 
grace are given as will enable us to work and en- 
dure to the end. 

As the fisherman moored his boat to gain repose, 
and as the vine-dresser homeward turned his weary 
steps ; as the shadows of evening lengthened, and 
night came on ; Jesus left the crowded city, filled 
with worldliness and sin ; left his persecutors, the 
scribes and the pharisees ; left the multitudes healed 
during the day; left even the disciples, who must 
have been loathe to part with him, if only for the 
night: and he ascended doubtless to the topmost 
peak of the mountain, that overlooks the sea of 
Galilee. * 

" It was a place where spirits might blend ; 
Where friend might hold fellowship with friend:" 

a quiet, holy place for communion with Him who 
made the mountain ; made the sea ; made the earth ; 
made the universe ; and more wonderfully still, 
made the human soul ; not of the gross clay, but of 
his own breath ; not in likeness to anything earthly, 
but in his own image : a place for the enjoyment 
of God, undisturbed by the tumult and turmoil of 
life. With only the note of the night bird and the 



66 LOVE TRUTHS FROM THE BIBLE. 

murmur of the restless sea, falling upon his ear ; 
with the soft, rich light of an eastern sky, resting 
upon his upturned face ; and with the spirit of the 
place and hour, hushing his soul into a sacred calm ; 
we think of Jesus as kneeling there upon the dewy 
grass in loving intercourse with his father. His 
hand clasped in no other's : his heart beating with 
no other's: his sighs and entreaties blending with 
no other's: and of the fact, that he was in the 
world, yet not of the world, we could wish for no 
better proof, than that while other men were under 
safe shelters in quiet sleep, he was here upon this 
lonely mountain top, laboring in prayer. And 
thus perhaps it should have been : for he was 
engaged in a combat with sin, alone; and alone must 
the preparation for the battle be made: He was 
treading the wine-press of the fierceness of the 
wrath of Almighty God against human transgres- 
sion, alone; and alone must the needed strength be 
gained. 

Observe now how long Christ continued in prayer. 
We are all apt to linger with those we love. An 
hour passed in their society seems all too brief; and 
the natural desire of the heart is, that nothing 
shall bring about a separation ; as Ruth said to 
Naomi, the Lord do so unto me, and more also ; if 
aught but death part thee and me ! We are also 
inclined to remain with those, from whom we re- 
ceive instruction, comfort and direction. Now what 
is prayer, but communion with God, who is the 
object of our love ; and who is our instructor, com- 
forter and guide ? Christ regarded, the father with 
a love, which had been cherished in his divine 
nature from eternity ; and in time it was expe- 



LOVE TRUTHS FROM THE BIBLE. 67 

rienced in his human nature, with a depth and 
intensity heyond our conception : He therefore 
spent much time in prayer. The change was so 
delightful, from reproach to approval ; from enmity 
to affection ; from persecution to caress : one 
rudely heaped upon him by a malicious world ; the 
other graciously bestowed by an affectionate parent. 
Moreover, by reason of the magnitude of his work, 
and the great number of temporal and spiritual 
wants of the people which he had to supply, there 
was need that Jesus should linger long at the 
throne of God, to obtain much, that much might 
be done and given : and therefore he continued all 
night in prayer. 

Now the busy day has closed : one by one the 
stars appear : the moon is rising slowly : the Ro- 
man sentinel in the neighboring city of Capernaum 
is marking the first watch of the night: mean- 
while Jesus begins to pray. Now men are in pro- 
found slumber : the heavens are magnificent with 
constellations : the queen of night has reached 
the zenith of her beauty : the third watch has 
begun : yet still through the quiet air comes the 
pleading tones of the Son of Man, directed heaven- 
ward. Now the glories of the night have passed : 
the owl, the bat, and all other creatures of dark- 
ness are shrinking away into obscurity: the tide, 
which hours ago left the shore of the sea of Galilee, 
has returned ; and faintly glimmering in the far 
east, is the light of the coming day : yet the Man 
of Nazareth is still communing with God. Not 
until day had fully come, did he again direct his 
thoughts to earth. All night in prayer ! yet oh ! how 
rich the reward to himself and others, which then 



68 LOVE TRUTHS FROM THE BIBLE. 

came down upon his waiting soul. It is still re- 
freshing the earth. It is giving life and hope to 
humanity. It is preparing a kingdom, in which 
Christ is Lord of all. How many of us pray for 
one hour ? How many for one half hour ? How 
many for one quarter hour ? Alas ! how many there 
are, who never kneel down to say, our Father, who 
art in heaven ! In private devotions we cannot con- 
tinue too long ; for under the influence of persis- 
tent, earnest prayer the soul grows strong and 
calm 

What is most worthy of remark, this night of 
prayer preceded a day of most important work. 
The verse following our text, reads, " and when it 
was day, he called unto Him his disciples : and of 
them he chose twelve, whom also he named, apos- 
tles." The twelve had doubtless been chosen before 
this time : but now the choice was marked and final. 
Hitherto their relation to Christ was occasional 
and distant. They had seen the miracles he per- 
formed. They had heard the doctrine he pro- 
claimed. They had learned to admire the man, 
who went about doing good. But now their rela- 
tion to him became close and intimate. They ac- 
cepted his doctrine. Love took the place of admi- 
ration ; and henceforth we seldom read of Jesus and 
his disciples, as being separated. By reading more 
of the same chapter, we discover that also upon 
this day Jesus delivered the Sermon on the mount ; 
that grand treatise, demonstrating the harmony 
between the law and the gospel ; and which alone in 
itself would give to the Lord Jesus Christ, a place 
far superior to the world's most distinguished 
teachers of morality, equity and theology. Such, 



LOVE TRUTHS FROM THE BIBLE. 69 

in brief — was the day's work that followed this 
night of prayer ; and of course it was all well done ; 
for Jesus had made the very best preparation by 
meeting with God. No mistakes were made. 
Every thought and word and act were faultless ; 
and as to the vast effects of this day's work upon 
human hopes, and lives, and destinies, it will only be 
fully known in the great day of revelation, when they 
shall come from the east, and from the west to sit 
down with Abraham in the kingdom of heaven. 
We all have a work to do for God. Let us always 
prepare ourselves at the throne of grace. 

Christ at prayer is an example we should not fail 
to observe, and profit by its imitation. It has spe- 
cial significance to those devoted to the service of 
God. The Christian's life is not without likeness 
to the earthly life of the Master ; and if he had re- 
course to Divine help when persecuted by the world ; 
if there were need that He should pray alone ; that 
He should continue long in prayer ; and that He 
should pray thus continuously before entering upon 
an important work ; surely His servants cannot hope 
to succeed, insufficient as they are in themselves, 
without entreating assistance from above. The 
needs of the Christian life are too many and of too 
peculiar a character, to be satisfied with any pre- 
scribed formulas or ceremonies. The soul must 
hold immediate intercourse with the source of its 
strength and peace. God is ready to bestow 
unlimited measures of grace upon His children ; 
but lie wills that they, by seeking his presence, 
shall manifest their desire for His gifts of mercy 
and love. " I do not believe that any one who prays, 



70 LOYE TRUTHS FROM THE BIBLE. 

will be finally lost;" exclaimed a distinguished 
preacher. His zeal perhaps led him beyond the 
truth. But this much is certainly true ; whoever 
prays persistently and sincerely, is not far from the 
kingdom of heaven. 



LOVE TRUTHS FROM THE BIBLE. 71 



PREACHING THE GOSPEL. 

"For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the 
gospel ; not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ 
should be made of none effect. — I Corinthians, i : 17. 

The seen and temporal enforce the unseen and 
eternal ; hence forms serve the purpose of impress- 
ing truth upon the mind and of perpetuating its 
influence. This fact is of course owing to the limi- 
tations of human faculties, though it may be a 
matter of opinion, whether these limitations arise, 
in any degree from the original constitution of 
human nature, or altogether from sin, which at 
all events is by far the most effective cause of the evil. 
We say evil; for as long as there is a necessary 
dependence upon the visible for an apprehension 
of the invisible, the condition is one of imperfec- 
tion ; therefore of evil. But as one advances in 
Christian experience, there is a clearer perception 
of spiritual objects, as immediately presented to 
consciousness, and an ever increasing realization 
of the fact, that intellect, affections, and moral 
energies, do not depend necessarily for their exer- 
cise and development, upon external rites, which 
have no virtue in themselves. Accordingly, as G-od 
has instituted forms for the preserving of a visible 
organization, and as helps in keeping alive the 
knowledge of the truth, they are in no case to be 
neglected ; they are to be observed with a faithful- 
ness proportionate to our reverence for their author. 
But the inner man suffers not himself to be en- 
thralled by their requirements. Far above them 



72 LOVE TRUTHS FROM THE BIBLE. 

he lives, in an atmosphere, replete with the spirit 
of God ; and where the spirit of God is, there is 
liberty — liberty, not in doing this or that, as fancy, 
passion, or appetite may suggest, but in obeying 
the truth, and so realizing the grand possibilities 
of human nature, in the expanding mind and large 
heart, guided by an all-searching spirit, which, 
dealing, not with mere forms but realities, ensures 
a progress sublimely ennobling, far beyond the 
utmost extent of finite conception, and steadfastly 
enduring as the nature of which it is an exaltation. 
Now Saul of Tarsus had all the narrowness of 
spirit and servitude of thought, characteristic of 
the Jew, as the natural result of a devotion to rites 
and ceremonies, so that he doubtless boasted of 
being u Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock 
of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of the 
Hebrews ; as touching the law a Pharisee ; con- 
cerning zeal, persecuting the church ; touching the 
righteousness which is in the law, blameless." 
And when present at the martyrdom of Stephen, 
is he not a miserable object of compassion, as he 
stands there consenting to the deed of violence and 
bloodshed ; for all the wondrous powers and vast 
capacities of his nature are held inactive and incapa- 
ble of development, under a bondage more crushing 
than that of the American slave. But St. Paul had 
all the breadth of understanding and liberality of 
thought, characteristic of the ideal Christian ; so 
that he boldly declared that "he is a Jew which 
is one inwardly ; and circumcision is that of the 
heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter, whose 
praise is not of men, but of God." Again; "In 
Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth anything, 



LOYE TRUTHS FROM THE BIBLE. 73 

nor uncircumcision^ but a new creature," that is, a 
new life, a new heart, a new class of governing prin- 
ciples. Now with somewhat the same intent, to 
set forth the superior importance of saving truth 
over external observances, he uttered our text. The 
introductory " for " indicates the connection with 
what proceeds, which substantially is this : I bap- 
tized few — cc for Christ sent me not to baptize, but 
to preach the gospel ; not with wisdom of words, 
lest the cross of Christ should be made of none 
effect. " Of course the Apostle does not intend to 
undervalue in the least the importance of baptism, 
as may be proved by Komans, vi : 3 : " Know ye 
not that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus 
Christ, were baptized into his death?" He only 
regards preaching as vastly more important, be- 
cause the former is not essential to salvation, whilst 
it has pleased God to make the latter a means of 
saving them that believe ; because the former is 
only a recognition and signifying of the fact that 
the gospel has been effectual ; while the latter is 
concerned with the eternal destiny of immortal 
souls. 

We are thus led to consider the subject of preach- 
ing, forever consecrated by the attention it received 
from Christ and his Apostles, — forever ennobled 
by the good men who have devoted their lives to 
its service, — forever made glorious by the blessing 
it has been to the world, in liberating men from 
the thraldom of sin, ignorance, superstition and 
formalism, — formalism, not only Pagan and Jewish, 
but also Christian ; for even down to the present 
time the history of the church makes a sad record 
of an externalism, which only the gospel, presented 



74 LOVE TRUTHS FROM THE BIBLE. 

in simplicity and in truth, has the power to re- 
move. And this accounts for the fact that forms 
most prevail, where preaching is neglected : for 
truth is searching, is powerful, and, if fairly pre- 
sented to the mind, it will make men to think and 
feel and act as men, not as children ; as Christians, 
not as formalists ; as freemen, not slaves. 

Now, as to the authority for preaching. As to 
this point there can be no just difference of opinion. 
The statement is definite : " Christ sent me." In 
another place it is written : " No man taketh this 
honor unto himself, but he that is called of God, 
as was Aaron." And Christ said to his disciples : 
" As my Father has sent me, even so send I you." 
From God himself then comes the warrant officially 
to proclaim his truth ; and from this fact two advan- 
tages follow, — indispensable to success. 

1st. We have confidence in the presence of the 
people. The message is not our own, but of God ; 
announced, not in our own name, but in the name 
of God ; vouched for as true, not on our own testi- 
mony, but the testimony of God ; enforced, by 
motives, not drawn from our own judgment, but 
from God. Accordingly, we fearlessly tell men of 
their sinful condition ; remind them of a, just, as well 
as of a loving God, and thereby persuade, nay, if need 
be, command them to believe and repent, because 
it is the will of Him, whose is the " earth and the 
fullness thereof, the world and they that dwell 
therein . " Though it may conflict with preconceived 
opinions, long-settled dispositions, and established 
courses of conduct, we are to speak the truth, whether 
men will hear or whether they will forbear; just as it 
is the duty of every ambassador to make known the 



LOVE TRUTHS FROM THE BIBLE. 75 

will of the government he represents, without add- 
ing to, or detracting from his instructions. And if 
our privilege he called in question, if commanded 
not to speak at all, nor teach in the name of Jesus, 
we answer with Peter and John, — " Whether it be 
right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more 
than unto God, judge ye ; for we cannot hut speak 
the things which we have seen and heard." 

Of course opposition does not take the form of vio- 
lent persecution as in the time of the Apostles, but as 
then, so now divine truth has its enemies ; and the 
tendency to ignore the sanctity of the marriage re- 
lation, to desecrate the Sabbath, and to prohibit the 
reading of the Bible in our public schools, is in 
reality a protest against God's authority, equivalent 
to the answer of Pharaoh to Moses and Aaron : 
" Who is the Lord that I should obey his voice? " 
And a disregarding of divine truth is of course a 
disregarding of its advocates, which, if not sought 
to be counteracted, will ultimately lead to a denial 
of the whole truth ; for the voice of the living 
preacher, exhorting and instructing, is the ordained 
means of keeping alive and of making effective the 
knowledge of revelation. Therefore, though laying 
no claim to infallibility, ambassadors of Christ are 
to be respected as such — and, accordingly, when the 
voice of the Christian ministry, in a Christian land, 
protests against, or favors the enactment of any 
measure, men, whether acting in an individual or 
representative capacity, are bound at least carefully 
to consider what is proposed ; lest, haply, they be 
found righting against God. But 

2ndly. We have encouragement in personal expe- 
rience. Paul plants and Apollos waters : 



76 LOVE TRUTHS FROM THE BIBLE. 

" Sowing the seed by the wayside high ; 
Sowing the seed on the rocks to die ; 
Sowing the seed where the thorns will spoil ; 
Sowing the seed in the fertile soil : " 

but God gives the increase. It rests with him as 
to " what shall the harvest be." Therefore, when 
our best efforts appear to be made in vain, when 
toiling all night yet apparently taking nothing — 
when misrepresented by foes and misunderstoood by 
friends, — when even tempted to abandon our life's 
work, because the people seem deaf to our exhorta- 
tion, and there are no visible fruits of our labor, — 
then the words of Christ come with a new force to 
the heart ; — " Lo I am with you always, even to the 
end." 

So then, though troubled on every side, we are 
not distressed ; though perplexed, we are not in 
despair. Accordingly, when compelled to ask, " who 
hath believed our report ? and to whom is the arm 
of the Lord revealed ? ' ' the precious truth is then 
remembered — " He that goeth forth and weepeth, 
bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again 
with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him." 
Earnest, sincere efforts, therefore, will not fail of 
results. They are prompted by the spirit of God, 
as is evident from their nature, and must be effec- 
tual. A word spoken here, or a word spoken there 
may seem to die away without effect ; but in the 
great day of revelation, souls will be in heaven, won 
there by these very words, attended by the divine 
influence ; and the only regret will be, that more 
were not spoken, that opportunities were not more 
faithfully improved. So then, as the work is God's, 
as He selects and makes effectual his instruments of 



LOVE TRUTHS FROM THE BIBLE. 77 

salvation, we are encouraged, — and having done our 
utmost, commit the whole matter to Him, who 
doeth all things after the counsel of his own will. 
Two advantages have been mentioned. There are 
also two precautions, by no means to be disregarded. 

1st. There should be an unmistakeable assurance 
of the divine call, a clear title-deed to what is 
claimed ; one of the best practical tests of which — is 
the compulsion to say — " necessity is laid upon me: 
yea, woe is unto me if I preach not the gospel ; " 
for such a declaration indicates that present and 
eternal peace is involved, a conviction wrought by 
none other than the spirit of God. 

2ndly. Having been thus assured, there should 
be a faithful performance of the duties required — 
" So thou, Son of man, I have set Thee a watch- 
man unto the house of Israel ; therefore thou shalt 
hear the word at my mouth, and warn them from 
me. When I say unto the wicked, wicked man, 
thou shalt surely die ; if thou dost not speak to 
warn the wicked from his way, that wicked man 
shall die in his iniquity ; but his blood will I re- 
quire at thine hand." Is there not an awful sig- 
nificance in these words? In view of them, should 
not the most zealous be impelled to a consideration 
of their record ? They speak of a duty imposed, and 
of a fearful reckoning in case of neglect; — for, if 
the wicked man who is not warned, doth not escape, 
what will be the fate of him at whose hands his 
blood will be required, who knew of the approach- 
ing danger, and might have given warning but did 
not? God forbid that we should ever prove false to 
our trust, that any soul should perish because of 
our unfaithfulness ; but may we make full proof of 



78 LOVE TRUTHS FROM THE BIBLE. 

our ministry, that of those placed within our influ- 
ence, none may be lost, and that in the day of the 
Lord Jesus Christ, we may not be condemned, but 
shine as the stars for ever, because of having turned 
many unto righteousness. Christ sent me. The 
power is all from him ; yes, and may his spirit 
ever be present to consecrate all that we are and 
have to his cause. 

But now as to the subject of preaching. Christ 
sent me not to baptize but ew*yy£A*£ec0«/ — to 
announce glad tidings, to proclaim joyful intelli- 
gence—properly translated, to preach the gospel, 
good news — How good, let these pure hearts, these 
noble lives, these happy homes, these institutions 
of learning and benevolence, these well ordered 
governments testify. The unspeakable gift, the 
pearl of great price, the bread which cometh down 
from heaven, the fountain of life, the river whose 
streams make glad the city of God — All these fig- 
ures of speech are full of meaning, yet do not con- 
vey the whole truth. For, as to intrinsic excellence, 
practical value, durable advantage, and vital import- 
ance, poet never swept his lyre to loftier theme, 
warrior never drew his blade for richer prize, states- 
man never sought for higher goal, nor in any sphere 
has man ever striven for more exalted good than that 
of the gospel, for the excellency of the knowledge, 
of which St. Paul counted all things but loss. But 
what is the gospel? The question finds an answer 
in verse 23, of this same chapter — Christ crucified ! 
Only this ? This is all ; yet who desires more ? 
for though a stumbling block to the Jews and fool- 
ishness to the Greeks — it is unto them that are 
called, whether Jews or Greeks, " the power of 



LOVE TRUTHS FROM THE BIBLE. 79 

God and the wisdom of God." Thus, not a mere 
abstraction, engaging the intellect but cheating the 
heart ; not a mere dogma, compelling submission by 
an imperious authority, the gospel is the revelation 
of a Person, what he did, what he is ; and in this 
lies the secret of its success ; so that, as the Platon- 
ists were drawn towards virtue because of its beauty, 
as the Stoics held to virtue because of its own re- 
ward, Christians love and practice the good, because 
of its embodiment in one like unto themselves, 
" who did no sin, neither was guile found in his 
mouth — and who hath left " us an example that we 
should follow in his steps. 

Looking unto Jesus, who is holy, harmless, un- 
dented and separate from sinners, unvarying in self- 
denial for humanity, and continuous in harmony 
with the divine will, man is assured that imagina- 
tion does not play him false, that the call from his 
inmost being for a higher life, is not unreasonable — 
that there is a reality to the ideal pictured by hope, 
and that the way to secure its realization, is by the 
Lord Jesus Christ. So then, the knowledge of Jesus 
Christ comes not only as a test to discover to man, 
whether he is building on sand or rock, but also as 
a revelation as to what he should strive to be, and 
accordingly, as the starting point of a development 
limitless as eternity ; for the ultimate goal is God's 
perfection. Be ye perfect as my Father in heaven 
is perfect, and therefore the distance to be traversed 
is infinite : but ever goes on the transforming into 
the divine image, from glory to glory, by the spirit 
of the Lord ; while a corresponding increase of satis- 
fying happiness demonstrates that "Godliness is 



80 LOVE TRUTHS FROM THE BIBLE. 

profitable unto allj things, having the promise of 
the life that now is and that which is to come." 

Now, if the gospel were only a presentation of 
Christ as an example, it would far surpass, in lofti- 
ness of motives and results, all other systems the 
world has ever seen : but this is not all : the half 
has not yet been told. The great distinguishing 
feature of the doctrine the Apostles preached, is 
Christ crucified — a Lamb without spot or blemish — 
made an offering for sin, as the prophet foretold — 
"He was wounded for our transgressions, he was 
bruised for our iniquities : the chastisement of our 
peace was upon him ; and with his stripes we are 
healed." 

It is true — there are those who hold and teach — 
that the sufferings of Christ were only a manifesta- 
tion of God's displeasure at sin, and consequently 
only intended to make a moral impression on the 
world. But was it only for this, in typifying the 
event, that the patriarchs made offerings to God? 
and after the establishment of the Jewish ritual, 
that the blood of bulls and of goats,, unceasingly 
flowed in sacrifice for fifteen hundred years ? Was 
it only for this, that the Son left the glory which 
he had with the Father, and took the form of sin- 
ful man ? Was it only for this, that he endured 
the hatred and contempt of Pharisees and Saddu- 
cees? Was it only for this, that he agonized in 
Gethsemane, praying with his face upon the ground. 
"If it be possible, let this cup pass from me?" 
And was it only for this, that he permitted himself 
to be scourged, mocked, spit upon, then tortured 
to death on the accursed cross, — at the sight of 
which nature convulsed and the sun hid his face? 



LOVE TRUTHS FROM THE BIBLE. 81 

Never ! Never ! All this was far more than a 
manifestation of God's displeasure at sin. It was 
an atonement, a penalty, for man's transgression of 
the law ; so that God can now be just, and the justi- 
fier of those united to Christ by faith. 

Accordingly, to the question of the jailor at 
Philippi — "what must 1 do to be saved?" — the 
answer was given: " Believe on the Lord Jesus 
Christ, and thou shalt be saved." Justification 
by faith, then, is the key note of Christian doctrine, 
with which all else must be made to harmonize ; 
and, though unsounded during the dark ages, 
when superstition and priest-craft combined to hush 
the voice of truth, Luther gave it an utterance, 
startling in its vehemence, which, echoed and re- 
echoed throughout the wide world, has brought 
hope and cheer to millions of human hearts,— who, 
conscious of their utter inability to meet the require- 
ments of the law, would be in despair, were it not 
for their faith in Christ's offering for sin, — whose 
resurrection and ascension, are a pledge of his 
final re-appearance to gather his own unto himself. 

Thus, with all the beauty of a sinless life and 
character, with all the heroism of a devotion to 
truth, with all the grandeur of a purpose to re- 
deem the world from guilt and unrest, with all the 
excellence of a merit to satisfy divine justice, with 
all the glory of an exaltation to the right hand of 
God the Father, Jesus Christ, both as an example 
and sacrifice, is freely offered to perishing souls. 
1 ' This is my beloved and this is my friend, 
daughters of Jerusalem." And to meet the neces- 
sities of human nature, we can conceive of infinite 
wisdom, as devising nothing more perfect. Such 
5 



82 LOVE TRUTHS FROM THE BIBLE. 

is the gospel we are sent to preach, — sought to 
be fully known by prophets and angels, but re- 
vealed unto us by the Holy Grhost sent down from 
heaven. 

But, lastly, as to the manner of preaching. ' ' Not 
with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ 
should be made of none effect. " As expressed by 
St. Paul in the following chapter, my speech and 
my preaching were not with enticing words of 
man's wisdom, that is, not with dependence upon 
eloquence of language, which often so bathes the 
cross in the mere splendor of oratory, that the 
mind, forgetting the terrible reality of Gethsemane 
and Calvary, pictures to itself "a feigned altar and 
a mock victim, decked with garlands for a festive 
occasion." The meaning also is — not with philos- 
ophy — against which the Oolossians, as hearers of 
the truth, were warned to be on their guard. " Be- 
ware lest any man spoil you through philosophy 
and vain deceit after the tradition of men, after the 
rudiments of the world, and not after Christ." True 
enough, not after Christ, — for, undervaluing faith, 
and endeavoring to narrow down the truth to the 
sphere of human understanding, philosophy often 
passes by the objective fact of the sufferings of 
Christ, and only mars the simplicity of divine reve- 
lation, by subtleties without influence upon practi- 
cal life. 

Are education and eloquence, then, to be discarded 
in preaching? By no means. Only their misuse 
is to be condemned. We are in duty bound to 
secure the highest possible training of our faculties 
by knowledge and exercise, in order to become " all 
things to all men ;" for, unless inspired as were 



LOVE TRUTHS FROM THE BIBLE. 83 

the Apostles, men of culture are certainly the best 
qualified to set forth the truth. The great error 
lies in supposing that the word itself has saving 
power, when in reality, saving power is only 
exerted by the Spirit of God, so that " no man 
cometh unto the Father, except the Spirit draw 
him." Therefore upon the Spirit, whose office it 
is to reveal the things of Christ, we are to rely for 
success ; which fact precludes all conduct or speech, 
incompatible with the Spirit's influence, and de- 
mands a constant prayerful attendance upon God, 
that our efforts may be blest. With the wisdom 
which thus entreats the divine influence, immea- 
surably above the wisdom of the world, and beyond 
the value of the gold of Ophir, the precious onyx, 
or the sapphire, the objects of Christ's sufferings, 
will be fulfilled — the cross will be made effec- 
tive, in transforming the lives and hearts of men ; 
a result so wonderful, that it is not strange that 
supernatural power is needed in its accomplish- 
ment. For the cross is not peace but suffering, 
not self-gratification but self-denial, not regard for 
one's own pleasure but the welfare of others, not 
the carnal mind which the world approves, but 
the spiritual mind which is in Christ, — whose form- 
ing and controlling principle is revealed in those 
words to the Father, ' ( Not mine but thy will be 
done." 

We have thus considered the authority for, the 
subject- matter, and the manner of preaching. In 
conclusion we would briefly direct attention to its 
Deed. Nearly two thousand years have passed 
since the command was given — " Go ye into all the 
world and preach the gospel to every creature." 



84 LOVE TRUTHS FROM THE BIBLE. 

But compared with what remains to he done, alas ! 
how little has been accomplished ! Of the twelve 
hundred million souls that are upon the earth, not 
much over one-fifth are nominal Christians. The 
rest are idolators, or followers of false prophets ; 
many of them living and dying without so much as 
hearing that God loves the world, without so much 
as a glimpse of the light that shines in the face of 
Jesus Christ. But the most discouraging fact of all 
is, that the very worst enemies of the cross are in 
Christian lands, — men who see all about them the 
benign influences of the gospel, who recognize its 
power to impart a dignity to human nature other- 
wise unattainable, nay more, who acknowledge its 
adaptation to meet the wants of the soul, but not- 
withstanding all this, deny the testimony which God 
has given of his Son. 

Thus, either at home or abroad, vice, indifference, 
infidelity, idolatry, and every conceivable form of 
sin, manifest a wide-spread need of the gospel, — not 
merely written as in the Bible, and other religious 
books, but preached with a voice passionate with 
earnestness, and eloquent with truth, which will 
reprove all error, compel attention, arouse to en- 
deavor, and with the demonstration of the Spirit, 
win souls to Christ. 



LOVE TRUTHS FROM THE BIBLE. 85 



THE TEARS OF JESUS. 

"Jesus wept." — St. John, xi : 35. 

Where fortune has given her gayest colors, where 
hope has woven her brightest designs, there may be 
found the coarse, dark threads of sorrow. The 
clouds may have a silver lining ; but often they 
lower very darkly, and at times the blue sky is 
entirely veiled. " Man is born to trouble, as the 
sparks fly upward; " but the most distressing, the 
hardest to bear, the one above all others is the 
sorrow of death. What grief can exceed this of 
David? ""And the King was much moved, and 
went up to the chamber over the gate, and 
wept : and as he wept, thus he said, my son 
Absalom ! my son, my son Absalom ! would God 
I had died for thee, Absalom ! my son, my son !' ; 
Parallel with this, however, was the anguish occa- 
sioned by the brutal Edomite on the Jewish throne, 
when he slew the children of Bethlehem. " In 
Rama was there a voice heard, lamentation, and 
weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping for 
her children and would not be comforted, because 
they are not." To listen to the voice, to press the 
band, to see the face for the last time of (me be- 
loved ; then to have the form borne away to the 
the grave ; and turning aside, to hear the cold, 
hard clods rattle down upon the coffin lid, is indeed 
a grief which only the bereaved may know . 



86 LOVE TRUTHS FROM THE BIBLE. 

There were many large families in Israel ; one of 
whose members might not have been missed so 
much. At all events, we may be tempted perhaps 
to think, that the little home circle at Bethany 
might have been spared. They were so essential to 
each other's happiness : two sisters and a brother. 
Their very orphanage bound them closer together. 
The loss of their parents made them dearer to each 
other. It was a home of innocence and love ; for 
its inmates were devoted friends of Jesus, and there 
He was wont to rest from the toil and discourage- 
ments of the day. We might suppose that they en- 
joyed an experience of unbroken peace ; but God's 
ways are not our ways ; and though we may not un- 
derstand His dispensations, we know that the Judge 
of all the earth cannot but do right. Assured that 
the present sufferings of God's people will work 
out for them a far more exceeding and eternal 
weight of glory, faith accepts the mystery, and 
we patiently wait. It is not the possessions we 
have ; nor the deeds we perform ; nor the pleasure 
we enjoy ; that is a test of our success in life Such 
as these are characteristic of many, whose record is a 
demonstration of utter failure. Sooner or later they, 
are convinced of the fact themselves. True advance- 
ment can only be correctly estimated by our con- 
quest of self, and submission to the divine will . The 
life in God is the only life, in which there is no 
sorrow, no sickness, no death. 

The brother was taken sick ; and immediately 
they desired the presence of the Master, to whom 
they were attached with feelings of friendship and 
reverence. The sisters sent unto Jesus, saying, 
" Lord, behold, he whom thou lovest is sick/' 



LOVE TRUTHS FROM THE BIBLE. 87 

But the Lord abode two days still in the same place 
where He was. His delay, however, was not occa- 
sioned by indifference. The Saviour is never indif- 
ferent to those who call. The final result (the rais- 
ing of Lazarus from the dead,) affords the expla- 
nation ; for thereby the devotion of his friends was 
increased ; many new disciples were made, and God 
was glorified. Accordingly, Lazarus died ; was 
buried ; and when he had lain in the grave four 
days, the sisters heard that the Saviour was coming. 
Martha went first to meet Him, and then Mary, who 
falling down at His feet, said unto Him, " Lord, if 
thou hadst been here, my brother had not died. 
When Jesus therefore saw her weeping, and the 
Jews also weeping that came with her, He groaned 
in the spirit, and was troubled, and said, where 
have ye laid him ? they say unto Him, Lord, come 
and see. Jesus wept," " Jesus wept ! " The short- 
est verse in the Bible ! standing alone, without gram- 
matical connection with what precedes or follows ; 
yet how full of precious truth ! Like the single, 
bright star in a rayless night ; like the " repentant 
tear " at the gate of Paradise ; it has a value, an 
attraction peculiar to itself. It enshrines itself in 
mind, heart and imagination with a force and beauty 
unsurpassed. Is it strange that the Lord wept, when 
He knew that in a few moments He would restore 
the dead to life ? not so ! whatever of hope the 
future may contain ; it is not unnatural to mourn 
for present loss. But mark you ! the Master's grief 
was not violent, as that of those without hope. 
The verb in the original indicates that His was a 
gentle weeping, like a summer rain after the vio- 
lence of the storm has past. We now invite your 



88 LOVE TRUTHS FROM THE BIBLE. 

attention to the truths, taught us by the tears of 
Jesus. 

They are an evidence of His humanity. Before 
he stilled the winds and waves, Jesus slept : so 
here, before He revealed Himself as God, by raising 
Lazarus from the dead, He revealed Himself as man 
by His tears. They are as much a proof of His 
humanity, as omnipotence was of His divinity. 
When the Saviour stands before us with moistened 
eyes ; with the fountains of His soul, a great deep 
broken up, and bedewing His cheeks ; we know that 
He is human ; just as we know from the murmur 
of the waves, there is a quiet sea ; as we know from 
the singing of birds and the perfume of flowers, 
that summer has come ; as we know from the voices 
of children, there are happy hearts ; as we know 
from the Christian's rejoicing, there is a better 
country beyond. Accordingly, we will speak no 
no more of Christ's humanity, but will speak of 
Him as being human, with all the world of mean- 
ing indicated by the word. This revelation of His 
nature comes to us in His tears ; which are liquid 
gems to show how rich their source ; how precious 
the treasures whence they come ; and falling to the 
earth, to glisten and glitter through the ages, a 
wreath of diamonds for our inheritance. They are 
invaluable beyond all price, because their lustre is 
not of time, but of eternity ; not of earth, but of 
heaven ; not of a nature guilty and defiled, but of 
Him who, though tempted in all points like as we 
are, was yet without sin. 

But were not tears degrading to Christ ? That 
is equivalent to asking, was not His human nature 
a degradation ? Heartless scepticism or infidelity 



LOVE TRUTHS FROM THE BIBLE. 89 

might assert this without conditions. And in 
truth, it was a humiliation— for the Son of God 
to be " born, and that in a low condition; to 
be made under the law ; to undergo the mise- 
ries of this life, the wrath of God, and the cursed 
death of the cross ; to be buried, and to continue 
under the power of death for a time : " but since 
His exaltation — " in rising from the dead on the 
third day ; in ascending up into heaven ; in sit- 
ting at the right hand of God the Father, and in 
coming to judge the world at the last day ; " His 
human nature is not a degradation ; and this be- 
comes more evident, when we consider the count- 
less number of souls, who are saved by the incarna- 
tion of Christ. The beautiful Greek mythology peo- 
pled air, woods and water with innumerable deities. 
The seven stars of the Pleiades were held to be seven 
sisters ; all united to the immortal gods except 
Merope, who became less divine, and whose light 
is dim and obscure, because of her once coming to 
earth. Thus to the Greek mind divinity would suffer 
loss by contact with humanity ; but such was not 
the case with Christ. He lost none of his perfections 
by coming to earth ; for he is as much now " the 
brightness of the Father's glory and the express 
image of His person," as when " the morning 
stars sang together and all the sons of God shouted 
for joy." 

So far then from being depreciated, a weeping 
Saviour is the most human Saviour; that is, the 
most attractive, the most lovable, the most desira- 
ble for these trail, doubting natures of ours ; and 
if endowed with divine attributes as was Christ, 
then He is also most worthy of our homage and 
5* 



90 LOVE TRUTHS FROM THE BIBLE. 

worship. Doubtless there still remain the wounds 
from the nails, the marks from the scourge, the 
scars from the crown of thorns ; but these do not 
mar his beauty ; they detract nothing from His glori- 
fied appearance ; they are not blemishes ; but pre- 
cious reminders of a suffering endured for others. 
" Having loved His own, He loved them to the 
end;" and He shrunk from no self-denial that 
would be to their spiritual good. Thus in making 
others happy — the Saviour finds His chief delight. 
G-od has u raised Him from the dead, and set Him 
at His own right hand in the heavenly places, far 
above all principality, and power, and might, and 
dominion, and every name that is named, not only 
in this world, but also in that which is to come : " 
and yet He does not forget His disciples ; for through 
His sacrifice and intercession they are made to be 
heirs of Grod, and joint heirs with Himself. His 
words of comfort are, "I will come again and re- 
ceive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye 
may be also." 

We are also assured of the sympathy of Jesus. 
Over Jerusalem there were tears of deep sorrow. 
Christ knew the fearful wickedness of the city, and 
wept when He foresaw its sure and terrible destruc- 
tion, which was not far distant ; for Titus and the 
Roman army soon came, and they scarcely left one 
stone upon another. In Gethsemane there were 
tears of agonizing supplication. The weight of the 
world's sin was upon the Son of Man ; and being 
human as well as divine, the burden was heavy to 
bear. But at the grave of Lazarus there were tears 
of compassion. They indicate that we have a High 
Priest, " who can be touched with the feeling of 



LOVE TRUTHS FROM THE BIBLE. 91 

our infirmities ; " who " will satisfy the weary 
soul;" who " will replenish every sorrowful soul." 
Not the profusion of words ; nor the garments of 
mourning evidence true sympathy. They are conven- 
tional. They are often only a mockery or show. They 
are employed because it is customary, and they are 
looked for by the world. From, and to the heart one, 
single tear is far more than all else. It was when 
He saw them weeping, that the Saviour also wept. 

" O when the heart is full, when bitter thoughts 
Come crowding thickly up for utterance, 
And the poor, common words of courtesy 
Are such a very mockery; how much 
The bursting heart may pour itself in prayer !" 

yes, and also in tears ; mute, but eloquent appeals 
to divine compassion, which Christ, with His recol- 
lections of earth, may not resist. 

Three friends went to comfort Job ; but forgetting 
the object of their errand, they became indifferent 
to his distress ; then accused him of self-righteous- 
ness ; and finally they charge upon him most hein- 
ous sins Such is not the manner of Christ. He 
never once said, nor even intimated to the sisters — 
that their bereavement was a judgment from God : 
but He mourned that humanity was heir to such an 
evil as death, and Pie sympathized with those, who 
had lost the dearest, earthly object of their love. 
And this interest of the Saviour in human suffer- 
ing, is universal. It may be claimed by those of 
every kindred and generation, who feel its need. 
Wherever cheeks are fading ; eyes are filling ; hearts 
are breaking, or lives becoming desolate ; there 
Jesus is ready to go, if only called. We have only 
to cast ourselves at His feet, in full reliance upon 



92 LOVE TRUTHS FROM THE BIBLE. 

His power and desire for our good ; and His sym- 
pathy will be as great, as soothing, and as strength- 
ening to us, as it was to Martha and Mary. 

Then let come what may ; failure, disappoint- 
ment, affliction, disease, or death ! We will take 
encouragement from the sympathy of Christ. We 
will tell our sorrow at His throne of grace. We 
will pray, "if it be possible, let this cup pass from 
me ;" yet, " not mine, but thy will be done." And 
if we may not be spared; if it be needful that the 
chastening rod descend ; He, whose own soul was 
once exceeding sorrowful, even unto death, will 
draw us nearer to himself, and will calm the temp- 
est of our grief. He may shed no tears ; but his 
arms will be about us ; His heart will throb with 
ours ; and the influences of His spirit will be quiet- 
ing and comforting, as a mother's lullaby to her 
restless child. It is not sufficient to know that our 
debt of sin has been paid. Something more is 
needed to inspire with confidence ; and this is supplied 
by the sympathy of Christ. Based upon a commu- 
nity of nature and a similarity of experience, it 
reaches us with a tender, gracious power that re- 
moves our fear, and leads us to pray, " even so, 
come, Lord Jesus." Come, as Thou didst to the 
household at Bethany, and restore to us our buried 
hope and peace. "The heavens declare the glory of 
God," and we stand in awe, as we contemplate the 
Divine majesty ; but the tears of Jesus declare the 
sympathy of God with human suffering; and when 
the Saviour asks, "where have ye laid him?" 
we are encouraged to answer, Lord, " come and 
see." 



LOYE TRUTHS FR031 THE BIBLE. 93 

One other truth remains. When we hear of a 
storm, an earthquake, a railroad or steamboat acci- 
dent, by which scores of persons, who are strangers, 
or are indifferent to us, have been wounded, or have 
lost their lives, we are interested because we are 
human. We exclaim in sincerity, how sad! how 
terrible ! and we are ready to contribute of our 
means, if assistance be required, because we sym- 
pathize with those involved in the great misfortune : 
but we do not weep. On the other hand, if any of 
our loved ones have suffered severely by the calamity, 
our grief is intense, and finds an immediate expres- 
sion. Accordingly, though humanity and sympa- 
thy are indicated by Christ's weeping, they are not 
its sufficient cause : lastly, therefore we learn the 
love of Jesus. When the sisters sent for the mas- 
ter, their only message was, " behold, he, whom 
thou lovest, is sick; " and there was need of noth- 
ing more. Let us only be told that an object of the 
affections is in distress ; that evil has befallen a 
treasure of the heart ; and we are eager to devote 
on i selves to the cause. It was this that prompted 
Jesus to return to Judea, though the Jews of late 
had sought to stone Him ; and it was this that 
prompted Thomas to say to his fellow disciples, 
"Let us also go, that we may die with Him." 

How disinterested is the Saviour's love ! Possess- 
ing in Himself all the fullness of the God-head 
bodily, Son of God, as well as Son of Man; the 
Lord is dependent upon no creature for his happi- 
qi Bfi : and therefore, in cultivating the love, either 
of that obscure family at Bethany, or of the whole 
human race, He could have no selfish purposes to 
accomplish ; but the true interests of humanity to 



94 LOVE TRUTHS FROM THE BIBLE. 

advance, the highest privileges to secure for his 
people, and the grandest results to attain in their 
behalf for time and eternity. " The hireling fleeth, 
because he is a hireling, and careth not for the 
sheep." " The thief cometh not, but for to steal, 
and to kill, and to destroy : I am come that they 
might have life, and that they might have it more 
abundantly : " and this was at the cost of His own 
life on earth. Then we must also remember, that 
the love of Christ is exercised toward those who are 
not strict to obey His commandments, and whose 
love in return scarcely deserves the name, cold and 
inactive as it is in our service and worship. How 
this magnifies ; how it ennobles the Saviour's affec- 
tion ! It is like the lamb for the burnt offering, 
without spot or blemish ; or like the sunbeam, 
yielding brightness and joy to all ; " as the dew of 
Hermon, and as the dew that descended upon the 
mountains of Sion : for there the Lord commanded 
the blessing, even life for evermore." 

The love of Christ has been eternal ; for, though 
marvellous to say, it is gloriously true, that " God 
hath chosen us in Him, before the foundation of the 
world : that we should be holy and without blame 
before Him in love." Existing thus from eternity, 
considered in the counsels of Trinity, and affording 
the reason for the incarnation, the scene enacted on 
Calvary, and the rising from the dead ; its coming 
to us is fixed and determined. It is our certain 
inheritance. God, "having predestinated us unto 
the adoption of children" by Jesus Christ to him- 
self; we, not merely as a class, but as individual 
Christians, may rejoice in the sure possession of His 
love. It softens and warms our hard, cold hearts, 



LOYE TRUTHS FROM THE BIBLE. 95 

as Spring brings life again to the ice bound earth. 
It illuminates our darkened minds, as day destroys 
the shadows of the night. It brings strength and 
gladness to our waiting souls, as the tide bears pre- 
cious freight to various shores. 

But the love of Christ is also everlasting. This is 
its crowning quality ; the secret of its power to 
soothe the ,f restless pulse of care," and to lift our 
thoughts above to an inheritance incorruptible, and 
undefiled, and that fadeth not away. Years will 
come and go. Age will follow age. Weakness 
and death will crumble the things of earth ; and at 
last the angel, " with a loud voice," will proclaim, 
that "time shall be no more:" but with divine 
love as manifested in Christ, there will be no varia- 
bleness, nor shadow of change. Imperishable, inde- 
structible, it will survive the wreck of worlds ; it 
will be co-extensive with immortality. United to 
Christ and our dear ones, divine love will encircle 
us with a fortress that will yield to no enemy ; with 
a fullness that will supply every necessity ; with a 
halo that will never lose its splendor ; and with an 
influence that will ever lead us to higher attain- 
ments in the bliss and perfection of heaven. Jesus 
will not then weep ; for death shall be swal- 
lowed up in victory ; tears shall be wiped from off 
all faces ; and sorrow and sighing shall have fled 
away. 

,l Brief life is here our portion ; 
Sorrow and short-lived care : 
The life that knows no ending; 
The tearless life is there." 

The truth is made evident, that it is not unmanly, 
not unchristian to mourn. We should have more 



96 LOYE TRUTHS FROM THE BIBLE. 

self-possession and more trust in God, than to per- 
mit every little annoyance to occasion us distress : 
but there are grievous trials, times of sore visita- 
tion, when our feelings may not be concealed. It 
may arise from a weakness,, but not a weakness to 
be condemned ; for sorrow has been hallowed by 
the experience of Christ ; and if he wept under its 
influence, may not we? Surely it is enough that 
the servant be equal to his Lord. We regard those 
as very unfortunate natures, who remain unmoved 
when some loved one has been taken from them, or 
some heavy bereavement has fallen upon the heart 
They may become distinguished as victorious gene- 
rals and impartial rulers ; but they lack the sympa- 
thy and tenderness of spirit that are so attractive in 
the family, and social intercourse of daily life. 
Let us be men ; brave, strong and active in the 
cause of truth ; but not so self-reliant, that we may 
not weep with those that weep, as well as rejoice 
with those that rejoice. What makes life most 
noble and beautiful, is the exhibition of the gentler 
qualities of disposition ; the walk and conversation 
of natures that are sympathetic, loving and kind, 
as well as manly and true. 

Learn also, that in our sorrows the greatest con- 
solation will be to have Jesus with us. We can 
imagine how anxiously the sisters watched and 
waited for the coming of the Lord ; how their 
hearts were comforted when they knew he was 
near ; and what happy sunshine brightened their 
home, when the Master restored to them their bro- 
ther from the grave. Now the Lord will not give 
back to us our dead. This is not the age of mira- 
cles, and we should not pray for what the Saviour 



LOVE TRUTHS FROM THE BIBLE. 97 

has not promised. Those gone from us are in far 
better surroundings than what was theirs, or what 
is ours on earth. The comfort of his own presence 
is what we need to have from the Lord, and what 
He is graciously ready to give. In His humanity, 
sympathy and love we have an all-sufficient pledge 
of His interest in our welfare, and a precious assur- 
ance that he will minister relief. "Peace I leave 
with you, my peace I give unto you. Not as the 
world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart 
be troubled, neither let it be afraid/' 



98 LOVE TRUTHS FROM THE BIBLE. 



DESIRE FOR THE BEAUTY OF CHRIST. 

" Let the beauty of the Lord our God be upon us."— Psalms, 
xc : 17. 

The opinion, that Christ was remarkable for 
physical beauty may be correct. Even his counte- 
nance may have revealed the perfect man and very 
God ; just as the floor mosaic of some beautiful lake 
is revealed through its crystal waters. It may have 
been this, which caused his enemies to fall to the 
earth, when Jesus advanced to meet them on the 
night of his betrayal. It was doubtless his belief 
in this opinion, which caused Augustine to men- 
tion Jesus Christ in the flesh — as one of the three 
objects he most earnestly desired to see ; the remain- 
ing two being Paul in the pulpit — and Rome in her 
glory. Besides, it is quite natural to associate 
with a nature like that of Christ's, without spot or 
blemish, an external form equally faultless. But 
where there is a pure and heavenly-minded soul, 
no face can he regarded with aversion ; and there- 
fore the personal appearance of the Master is not 
a matter of first importance. It is life and charac- 
ter, that are deserving of much attention. Therein 
lies our real attractiveness or repulsiveness, both to 
our fellow-men and to God. We read of the beauty 
of Absalom ; but are we not at the same time re- 
pelled by his heartless conduct toward his father ? 
While on the other hand, we do not care whether 
Jephthah's daughter was comely or not ; for her 



LOVE TRUTHS FROM THE BIBLE. 99 

noble act of self-sacrifice is more than sufficient to 
engage our affections and immortalize her beauty 
of spirit. 

One of the sacred authors writes, " Thou art 
fairer than the children of men. Grace is poured 
into thy lips ; therefore God hath blest thee for 
ever." Another, after exhausting his figures of 
speech, exclaims, " He is altogether lovely ! " But 
the Psalmist is so enraptured with the divine 
charms as to pray, "let the beauty of the Lord our 
God be upon us." That the reference here is to 
Christ, we conclude from the fact, that the Messiah 
was a familiar object of contemplation to the devo- 
tional writers of the Old Testament. In truth, we 
do not think it too much to say, that, excepting 
where the language indicates to the contrary, it 
may always be assumed, that the object of their 
praise and petition is He who should redeem Israel, 
in whom all the nations of the earth should be 
blest. When we look into those far ages of the 
past, and consider the sentiments and aspirations, 
contained in the sacred volume ; we marvel at the 
elevation of thought and depth of feeling, expe- 
rienced at a time which we are apt to regard as 
distinguished for nothing but vice and oppression. 
The ninetieth Psalm indicates a thorough compre- 
hension of the relation sustained by the creature to 
the Creator ; and its closing petition — for the divine 
beauty to be upon us, and for the divine blessing to 
be upon the works of our hands, — is suited to every 
condition of men. 

The lily is fair to look upon, and so often is the 
face of youth ; but to-morrow the flower will per- 
ish, and very soon the earthly countenance will be 



100 LOVE TRUTHS FROM THE BIBLE. 

marred by advancing age, and finally destroyed by 
death : but the graces of the soul need not vanish 
with the passing years. If they be gifts from above 
and are cultivated by the spirit, they will never 
fade, and will grow more lovely in the loveliness of 
heaven. " Let the beauty of the Lord our God be 
upon us ; " this is the prayer. That is, let us be 
beautiful as He is beautiful, in all that refines and 
ennobles the soul in principle, in impulse, in action ; 
submissive under affliction, devoted to the truth, 
daring all things for the right, actuated by love ; 
in a word, showing ourselves complete in Christ ; 
that we may see in Him a beauty that we shall de- 
sire Him ; that He may be formed in us, the hope 
of glory ; that we may be, not conformed to the 
world, but transformed by the renewing of our 
minds, that we may know what is the good and per- 
fect and acceptable will of God. The Jews took 
knowledge of the Apostles, that they had been with 
Jesus ; and so may we, by our walk and conversa- 
tion, make known the power of God to others. 
Men will deny an argument from the intellect ; but 
they find it hard to resist the argument of a holy 
life and character. Accordingly, a consideration 
for others, as well as the desire for self-improve- 
ment, should urge us to that beautifying of our 
natures, which will be the wedding garment at the 
marriage supper of the Lamb. 

Now we meet a man degraded by dissipation : 
but if he seem ashamed of his condition, if he long 
for innocence and purity, we say at once, he is not 
an outcast from birth ; he has once known better 
days ; the counsels of a wise father and the solici- 
tude of a sainted mother may have been his in 



LOYE TRUTHS FROM THE BIBLE. 101 

youth ; all the attractions of a Christian home may 
have been his to enjoy. In like manner, the desire 
for the beauty of Christ is evidence that we were not 
always as now ; that there was a time, when the 
human will was in harmony with the divine will, 
when the human soul was clothed with divine holi- 
ness as with a spotless robe, when human nature 
reflected the divine nature — as far as the finite can 
reflect the infinite. Thus, in this case, desire is 
knowledge. We learn of our original state of per- 
fection by our present feeling of need. This need 
has been experienced by all ever since the blight of 
sin first fell upon mankind, but is now more clearly 
understood by the reappearance of perfect humanity 
in the Lord Jesus Christ, before whose coming 
human perfection was only a dream. 

Why did the Saviour find such an acceptance 
among the Gentiles ? they represented their Gods 
as faultless in physical beauty, regardless of purity 
of life and character, as is evident from their con- 
ceptions of Venus and Apollo ; while Christ is the 
perfection of spiritual loveliness. The inference is, 
that the sentiments of beauty, haunting the heathen 
mind, degraded as they might have been, were 
spiritual in origin, and took a materializing ten- 
dency from a debased moral condition. At the 
sight of a friend, long forgot but well beloved in 
other days, the profligate has been reformed by 
recollections of the innocent past ; and just so were 
the Gentiles led to embrace the new life in Christ, 
because (it may have been unconsciously) the past 
was recalled, and their minds turned naturally to 
the truth that once was the delight of man, when 
he first came perfect from the hand of God. Amid 



102 LOVE TRUTHS FROM THE BIBLE. 

their corruption and idolatry they were not satis- 
fied ; and when Jesus appeared, He seemed as one, 
who had been lost, but was found. They recog- 
nized in him— "the unknown God," to whom the 
Athenians had erected an altar, and whom they had 
ignorantly worshipped. Eden's perfection had 
long vanished from the earth ; but its influence was 
still manifest in the restless condition of the 
heathen world. Roman conquests and Greek art 
very largely occupied the attention of the people, 
who seemed equally ready, either for war, or plea- 
sure. Multitudes thronged the shrines of Mars and 
Bacchus ; yet notwithstanding this, there were un- 
defined longings for the change, of which certain 
of their poets had some conception, when they 
declared (as said St. Paul,) that all were " the off- 
spring of God." 

Our former state of sinlessness is thus evidenced 
by our desire for the beauty of Christ. But the 
truth comes to us with much the same influence, 
that a home letter comes to a convict on a distant 
shore. The tears are in his eyes and his heart is 
sad ; for there are memories of the happy home he 
can no more enjoy. In like manner, we mourn over 
the innocence and purity now gone. But are they 
gone forever? is there no hope of restoration to the 
divine image? If altogether forsaken, we would not 
only commit sin, we would delight in nothing else : 
we would not only tend earthward, we would never 
look heavenward. We regard this aspiration of 
our souls, as proof that we have not been left to 
ourselves; that there is a gracious restraint upon 
our evil inclinations ; nay ! that there is upon us a 
magnetic influence from above, which, but for our 



LOVE TRUTHS FROM THE BIBLE. 103 

weight of sin, would draw and keep us close to God 
himself. The Creator is so grieved to see the blight- 
ing of those He created in his own image, and 
divine love is so devoted to its objects, that — amid 
their transgressions — impulses are kept alive that 
direct our souls toward God ; and even in our re- 
pulsive state of sin we are still made to long for 
clean hands and a pure heart. 

It is then evident, that the desire for the beauty of 
Christ is essential to our restoration. Effort is 
required in attaining the graces of the Spirit ; and 
as desire is needful to moral action, it is needful in 
this connection. It is that which awakes the soul 
from slumber ; which gives vigor to our energies ; 
which begets hope ; and when hope spreads her 
wings for flight, we are compelled to follow. There 
is no zeal equal to that, born of inclination, and 
thought to be in a worthy cause. For example ; the 
soldiers of Cromwell contended most fiercely to over- 
come their foes ; and the secret of their zeal was 
strong inclination, accompained by the belief that 
the conflict involved the safety of true religion. 
There must be no mere fancy, or habit of the mind, 
but a deep, earnest sense of need. A superficial in- 
terest will accomplish nothing, as when the Pharisee 
thanks God that he is better than other men. It 
would be far better, if he held his peace ; or con- 
tinued to deceive men, without endeavoring to prac- 
tice the lie upon God. But when the Publican, 
standing afar off, not deeming himself worthy to 
enter the temple, cries, " God be merciful to me a 
sinner;" his manner and language clearly indicate 
that intense feeling which seldom fails of results. It 
was when he was greatly impressed with a sense of 



104 LOYE TRUTHS FROM THE BIBLE. 

his need, by the circumstances of the hour, that 
Saul of Tarsus was moved to say, " Lord what wilt 
thou have me to do?" And now it is desire ex- 
pressed to God, that is, prayer that is most essen- 
tial in securing to ourselves the beauty of Christ. 
As to this truth there is abundant testimony. 

Is it not the dictate of reason ? If we are to 
image the divine nature, should not the grand 
original be waited upon ? with such base material 
as human nature, only He can be the sculptor 
in the work ; only He can reproduce the won- 
drous beauty of Himself. The order for this piece 
of art must be taken to God, in a spirit of obedience 
and trust, with a determination to submit to what- 
ever chiseling and carving — the great artist may 
deem necessary— in remolding what has been so 
much deformed by innate and acquired sin. There 
may be much pain and suffering ; for blemishes are 
to be cut away, and forms of grace and symmetry 
made to take to their place : yet the end is bye and 
bye; and when we stand among the spirits of just 
men made perfect, there will be none of the trials we 
now experience. Whatever may be his command to 
us, and whatever may be his dealings with us, our 
helpless, dependent condition teaches us, that in 
God, our Creator, Preserver, Redeemer, is our only 
hope of relief. As Peter said to Christ, "Lord, to 
whom else can we go?" Communion with our 
heavenly Father should be as natural to us, as 
intercourse with one another. In the constitution 
of our natures is the source of prayer. 

The same testimony is furnished by experience. 
You, or I never overcame a habit ; never sub- 
dued a passion ; never acquired a virtue, success- 



LOVE TRUTHS FROM THE BIBLE. 105 

fully, that is, thoroughly and permanently, with- 
out an expression of the desire to God, without 
an asking for his direction and abiding support. 
In fact, little progress would be made in moral 
reformation, if our own resources were our own re- 
liance. Just here we find the reason why so many 
temperance pledges are broken, and exercise no 
restraining influence over those accustomed to strong 
drink. The only way to make men temperate in 
regard to drink, and every thing else, is to make 
them praying men ; is to bring them in contact 
with the Lord, Jesus Christ ; is to make them utter 
their vows before God : not as this, or that man 
who takes an oath ; but being godless himself, does 
not care whether it is observed, or not. That is 
only a mockery, and an insult to heaven. Our 
vows must be uttered in humility and faith, rely- 
ing for their observance upon a higher power than 
ourselves. Then the temptation which in our 
weakness we cannot resist ! divine strength will 
enable us to laugh to scorn. There are those all 
about us, who, communing with God, are growing 
into forms of beauty, whether in the church, in the 
school, in the family, in society, or in business 
relations. They are bright and shining lights that 
draw men unto them, and unto the Father in 
heaven. They are an honor and a blessing to the 
world. 

The same truth is taught by revelation. The 
Bible is full of the subject — both in precept and 
example. We call attention only to this prayer 
of David; "purge me with hyssop, and I shall be 
clean ; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow." 
Whiter than snow ! Is not this a beautiful figure — 
6 



106 LOVE TRUTHS FROM THE BIBLE 

to illustrate the high attainments of the spiritual 
life? for the untrodden snow is more than beautiful. 
It images heaven's purity. Stretching far and wide, 
it reminds us of the crystal sea. It falls as a robe 
about the earth to conceal the ravages of winter ; to 
make all things similar, stainless and lovely. It is 
an answer to nature's prayer for celestial beauty. 
May there not also be an answer to our prayer ? only 
listen to this from Isaiah : come now ; let us reason 
together, saith the Lord. " Though your sins be as 
scarlet, they shall be as wool ; and though they be 
red like crimson, they shall be whiter than snow." 
We rejoice that the object of our aspirations may be 
attained ; that there is a means of having our long- 
ings satisfied. Let us be careful to recognize the 
opportunities God has provided. Let us ever be 
diligent to improve them to the best advantage : 
and let us never cease to render thanks unto Him, 
" who so loved the world, that he gave his only 
begotten Son, that whosoever believeth on Him, 
should not perish, but have everlasting life." 

Christ said to the fishermen by the sea of Galilee, 
u follow me." They did so, but of course were not 
immediately transformed. It was the sons of Zeb- 
edee, who desired the Master to call down fire from 
heaven on a village of the Samaritans : and it was 
Peter, who vehemently denied that he was an 
associate of the Saviour. But by the time John 
wrote, " my little children, let us not love in word, 
neither in tongue, but in deed and in truth:" 
and by the time Peter wrote, " grow in grace, 
and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour, 
Jesus Christ:" there was full evidence, that they 
had been with Jesus. In continued compauionship 



LOVE TRUTHS FROM THE BIBLE. 107 

with Him they had seen and loved his beauty ; 
they had been stimulated to an imitation of his vir- 
tues ; they had caught the inspiration of his life ; 
they were fast being " changed into the same image, 
from glory to glory, even as by the spirit of the 
Lord." They were accomplishing a vast work on 
earth, and they were deeply concerned in the wel- 
fare of their fellow-men ; but all the time the robes 
of the redeemed were being drawn about them, and 
now they are perfect in sinlessness for ever. By 
fellowship with Christ we may be clothed in the 
beauty of the Lord. 

We are born with tendencies and inclinations, 
that have much to do with what we are in after life ; 
but, to a very large extent, we are the creatures of 
influence and imitation. We may therefore lay it 
down as a rule, that children will become just such 
men and women, as their surroundings are suited 
to produce. Even in the case of those advanced in 
years, their example is mutually effective to a re- 
markable degree. It is thus that those, intimately 
associated, grow to resemble eacli other in harmony 
of thought and sentiment, as also in sameness of 
manner and expression. This is the natural effect 
of the contact of mind with mind, of heart with 
heart, of life with life : the character, that is most 
Strongly individual, that is of the most force, being 
the one that gives shape and direction to others. 
As to the effect of evil associations some of us may 
recall these well-known lines of Pope: 

"Vice is a monster of such frightful mien, 
To be hated needs but to be seen : 
But seen too oft, familiar with her face, 
We first endure, then pity, then embrace." 



108 LOVE TRUTHS FROM THE BIBLE. 

the power of good associations is none the less 
marked. Merely in the presence of a good man 
we feel ashamed of our follies. Associated with 
him for a period of time, his virtues would manifest 
themselves in so many attractive ways, as first to 
convict us of our faults, then lead us _to an effort 
for their possession. 

We hear and talk about Jesus among his dis- 
ciples. "We sing about and to Him in our beautiful 
hymns, making melody in our hearts. We read of 
Him in the Bible, and other books that emanate 
from holy men. We commune with Him in prayer. 
Thus thinking and speaking his thoughts, ready to 
suffer in his service, and endeavoring to obey His 
commandments, to gain His approbation, and to 
realize His presence ; we are prepared to be im- 
pressed with His beauty. It is written, " He shall 
be as the light of the morning when the sun riseth, 
even a morning without clouds :" therefore, in His 
light we see light ; and we come forth from error 
to be graced with the adornments of the truth as it 
is in Christ. His charity, consecration, and exalta- 
tion in innocence and purity reveal our selfishness, 
worldliness, and degradation in sin, and thereby 
urge us to reformation. The things that are true, 
honest, just, pure, lovely, and of good report, in 
Him reach perfection. They shine forth, as pearls 
in a setting of gold : and like the gentle dew upon 
the flower, or the clear sun-light upon the face of 
nature, they are sent to brighten, and refresh, and 
beautify us, that the old life may pass away, and 
that we may be new creatures in Christ Jesus. 

He said to the disciples, "I am the vine ; Ye are 
the branches." Accordingly, as the life, common 



LOVE TRUTHS FROM THE BIBLE. 109 

to the vine and branch, makes them to be similar 
to each other ; so the life, common to Christ and 
His disciples, makes them to resemble each other. 
He of course is not degraded into our sinfulness ; 
but we are glorified into his sinlessness : and where 
there is no sin, there is faultless excellence. This 
was so prominent in Jesus — that His very presence 
rebuked the shallow pretensions of the Pharisee to 
a superior holiness, and the false pretensions of the 
Sadducee to a superior philosophy : but to as many 
as seek his fellowship in true faith, the privilege is 
given, to be like Him. Our minds are enlightened, 
our hearts are purified, our lives take a new mean- 
ing and value ; and we are given a spirit that con- 
tinues the work of transfiguration, and will restore 
us to divine image. Like the dry bones in Ezekiel's 
vision, we, in a spiritual sense, receive sinews and 
flesh and life that elevate us from the deadness and 
loathesomeness of sin ; that transform our natures ; 
that impart to us the beauty of holiness, which is 
the beauty of Christ. This is ours by an effluence 
from him, pervading our souls ; and we rejoice that 
it cannot be destroyed by time or death, and will 
be our resplendent possession in the fadeless Para- 
dise of God. 

If united to Christ by faith and love, it is thus 
that the beauty of the Lord, our God is upon us ; 
but the work is not yet complete. More and more 
of Him we should learn each day ; and with each 
new apprehension of the truth some blemish should 
be put away, or some charm gained. Growing in 
years, we should grow in the divine likeness ; "till 
we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the 
knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, 



110 LOVE TRUTHS FROM THE BIBLE. 

unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of 
Christ." You have seen a monument to the gal- 
lant dead on decoration day, how from base to top 
it is wreathed in floral lovelinesss. Thus it will be 
with his true disciples at the coming of the Saviour. 
The time for them will be a grand decoration day. 
The transformation will then be finished. The 
perfect image of Christ will be impressed upon our 
bodies and souls. "Now are we the sons of God, 
and it doth not yet appear what we shall be : but 
we know that, when He shall appear, we shall be 
like Him." " Let the beauty of the Lord, our God 
be upon us." 



LOVE TRUTHS FROM THE BIBLE. Ill 



THE DUTY OF CONTINUED EFFORT. 

" In the morning sow thy seed, and in the evening withhold 
not thine hand : for thou knowest not whether shall prosper, 
either this or that, or whether they both shall be alike 
good." — Ecclesiastes, xi : 6. 

There are acts, whose results are known before 
their occurrence. If a stone be dropped into the 
water, it will sink ; or if food be denied the body, 
it will die. But of the numberless acts, constantly 
going on, constituting our daily experience, the re- 
sults are not certainly known beforehand, excepting 
to God who knoweth all things from the beginning. 
Men, best qualified for their work, are most likely 
to succeed ; but it is by no means a necessary fact — 
that they will be successful ; as is well expressed 
by Solomon : "the race is not to the swift, nor the 
battle to the strong." Thus life is a venture ; its 
successes and failures are surmises, conjectures : for 
to-day a well directed effort may yield nothing ; 
while to-morrow an inferior effort may be fruitful 
in results ; hence the necessity for constant endeavor, 
that loss at one time be made up by gain at an- 
other ; and hence the admonition of our text. 

There are seed unsound ; others fall into unpro- 
ductive soil ; others do not germinate for want of 
moisture or heart: therefore many have to be sown 
that the sower may not lose his reward : and so it 
is in the broad field of life. Much there is, of which 
to think and dream ; much, for which to hope and 



112 LOYE TRUTHS FROM THE BIBLE. 

pray ; much to be acquired and accomplished ; but 
the means employed, are often wrongly directed, in- 
correctly estimated, feebly exercised, ignorantly 
managed ; and a want of knowledge as to which 
will be successful, requires their uninterrupted con- 
tinuance. Whatever object is before us, we must 
be up and doing, with all our resources striving for 
its attainment, and permitting no opportunity to 
go unimproved. u In the morning sow thy seed, 
and in the evening withhold not thine hand : for 
thou knowest not whether shall prosper, either this 
or that, or whether they both shall be alike good." 

There was work in Eden, and there is work in 
heaven. It is a strange idea which many have of 
the spirit world — that its inhabitants have nothing 
to do — but to play on harps and sing. God will 
tolerate no idlers about him, and will have some- 
thing for each one to do. But work as toil was not 
known till the transgression of the law ; for, when 
perfect harmony reigned in nature and human na- 
ture, the former yielded spontaneously and bounti- 
fully to the wants of man ; so that our first parents 
had only to reach forth the hand to gather in abun- 
dance their daily bread. No need was felt ; desire 
scarcely existing, ere it was gratified. The only 
experience we have of such a state as this, is some- 
times enjoyed in slumber ; when the mind, passing 
by the present and unhindered by realities, floats 
away in visions of what may be in the future, or 
what might have been, if the soul had never known 
the withering, desolating influence of sin. 

But, in the effort to obtain more than infinite 
love had provided, all was lost. The decree went 
forth ; " cursed be the ground for thy sake ; " so 



LOVE TRUTHS FROM THE BIBLE. 113 

that " earth's hallowed mould of God inspired," 
lost its virtue, brings forth thorns and thistles, 
hence man must toil. It may he with hand, or 
with brain ; in circumstances pleasant, or unpleas- 
ant ; in weakness, or in strength ; with hope, or 
despair to affect his spirit ; but to labor he is com- 
pelled ; else, refusing him nourishment, the earth 
will reclaim what has already been given ; and the 
refined mould that appears in the human form, will 
return to gross clay ; becoming not only lifeless but 
expressionless, not only unattractive but repulsive. 
" Idleness is a disease, a torment:" more than 
this, we may say, it is death ; for what means the 
noise of machinery, the hurrying to and fro in the 
streets, the exposure to burning sands and sun, 
the encountering of danger in every form ? all this 
is an expression of want, an effort for bread, a very 
struggle for life. Even in the tropical climes where 
nature is most lavish with her gifts, the natives are 
compelled to labor in the cultivation of the bread- 
fruit and other articles of food ; or subsisting upon 
them in their wild state, to pay the penalty in stu- 
pidity and disease. 

It is true — that in respect to material means, 
there are those above want ; but the number is very 
small, compared with the millions who are scarcely 
sure of to-morrow's food ; and many even of them 
have gained their wealth only by arduous work. 
lie sides, is it not written, man shall not live by 
bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out 
of the moutli of God ? thus Dives in his palace, sur- 
rounded by courtiers and revelling in all the luxuries 
of the world, may be far more destitute than Laza- 
rus at his gate : not that riches are an evil ; they 
6* 



114 LOVE TRUTHS FROM THE BIBLE. 

are a blessing when righly appreciated ; but only 
that they are not the sole object worthy of pursuit, 
and are by no means the most valuable possession 
to be attained by human effort. The rule is, as 
given by St. Paul ; "if one do not work, neither 
shall he eat ; " and the exceptions are few. 

Now Adam's knowledge of nature, of human 
nature, and of God, was doubtless much more ex- 
tensive than that enjoyed by his posterity. He is 
represented by the poet as discoursing upon many 
lofty themes ; and here as often elsewhere, we be- 
lieve that imagination has not gone beyond the 
truth. In fact, the highest poetry is only a recall- 
ing of former realities, a portrayal of what was 
true when man was perfect : not now untrue, but 
waiting, till the restoration of humanity, for an- 
other realization eternal in the heavens. But, 
striving to become omniscient as God, our first 
parents suffered loss. They gained the knowledge 
of good and evil ; but this is not a blessing to the 
race. Sin impaired the human intellect, as well as 
corrupted the human heart ; and degradation to 
ignorance was rapid and complete ; from which the 
only escape has been by toil. Is the nineteenth 
century distinguished for its culture ? let us never 
forget what it has cost ; and we need only to refer 
to the labors of such men as Bacon or Newton, to 
obtain some conception of the price paid for our 
civilization. Ignorance of results is consequent 
upon the limitation of our faculties,, and this has 
much to do with the fact — that so much labor is 
required. 

In the state of perfection, in which all things 
were at the beginning, there was nothing to pre- 



LOVE TRUTHS FROM THE BIBLE. 115 

vent the knowledge of what an effort would accom- 
plish ; what a given amount of physical, or mental 
strength exerted in a certain direction, would effect : 
while the present state of imperfection, in which 
" all creation groaneth and travaileth in pain," is 
sufficient to account for the miscalculations as to 
where, when, how, and with what force we should 
act ; hence also for the many failures experienced. 
Thus man's condition is one of need, therefore of 
toil ; also of ignorance, therefore of incessant toil ; 
and all this because of sin. Has God then alto- 
gether forsaken the creatures of his hand? not so ; 
but as man, for want of a just appreciation of his 
condition, lost in Eden what cost him nothing ; 
God intends that he, by laboring for its possession, 
shall learn to value what is enjoyed ; so that a sec- 
ond fall may not only be impossible because there 
will be no tempter to lead astray, but also because 
of man's correct estimate of what may be regained. 
To this end the Apostle exhorts the Philippians in 
regard to the Christian graces of character : "if 
there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, 
think on these things ; " that is, rightly comprehend 
their importance and value, and the desire for their 
possession will be intensified, as also the determina- 
tion to retain them against every oppposing in- 
fluence. 

Every sphere of action demands the observance of 
the duty of continued effort. In money-making, in 
politics, in scholarship, in religion there is need of 
constant endeavor; for you know not whether to- 
day's business will be successful ; you know not 
whether you will he a gainer by the next change in 
political affairs ; you know not what amount of 



116 LOVE TRUTHS FROM THE BIBLE. 

"knowledge will be retained, or to what degree it 
will contribute to mental discipline ; you know not 
the times when God will bestow His spirit ; and in 
regard to the last mentioned case we urge the neces- 
sity of being always vigilant and active ; for the 
interests involved are of pre-eminent importance, 
and besides, in all other pursuits it is not impossi- 
ble that success may be otherwise attained. Some 
one speculation may bring to you wealth ; a day's 
revolution in political affairs may elevate you to the 
highest position ; extraordinary talents, or favora- 
ble circumstances may, in a comparatively short 
time, secure to you intelligence and culture : but 
rest assured, there is no easy, sudden way of prepa- 
ration for the kingdom of heaven. In this connec- 
tion, death-bed charities after lives of selfishness 
and sin, are wretched failures ; and death-bed con- 
versions are escapes, "so as by fire," to be regarded 
as exceptions explained upon the principle, that all 
things are possible with God. 

The spirit alone effects regeneration ; but man 
co-operates in his sanctification ; and the fact is, God 
helps those who, after He has done His part, help 
themselves. Paul wrote to the Corinthians : I there- 
fore so run, not as uncertainly ; so fight I, not as 
one that beateth the air : but I keep under my body 
and bring it into subjection : lest that by any means 
when I have preached to others, I myself should be 
a cast-away. If then one of the greatest martyrs 
and saints in the cause of truth had need to strive 
continually, lest lie should be a cast-away, wha; 
should be our efforts ! with what persistency should 
we endeavor to be accepted in Christ ! We must 
press toward the mark for the prize. We must 



LOVE TRUTHS FROM THE BEBLE. 117 

strive to enter in at the strait gate. We must 
give diligence to make our calling and election sure. 
We must be steadfast, immovable, always abound- 
ing in the work of the Lord. Thus, whatever is 
our pursuit, there can be no hope of success, with- 
out a thorough and constant dedication of all our 
resources to the cause ; and this is specially true of 
religion, concerning which "many are called, but 
few are chosen ;" and " one is taken, but the other 
left." 

Every part of our nature is developed by the 
same means. God said to man ; " in the sweat of 
thy face shalt thou eat thy bread;" and by bread 
is here signified whatever is needed to supply 
our physical, intellectual, emotional, and spiritual 
wants. Accordingly, in order to ward off disease 
and death, to deliver ourselves from the bonds of 
ignorance, to cultivate the affections, and to satisfy 
the deep longings of the soul, there must be en- 
deavor, and ceaseless endeavor because we know not 
whether shall prosper, either this or that. Care 
must be taken, however, that no one class of objects 
receive disproportionate attention ; for neglect, in 
this regard, has been the fruitful cause of so many 
abnormal developments, pernicious alike to those 
immediately concerned, and to all with whom they 
are brought in contact. For example ; the gross 
materialist, the infidel scientist, the effeminate sen- 
timentalist, and the fanatical devotee become what 
they are, just from efforts active in one direction, to 
the exclusion of all others. We should aim to de- 
velop our entire nature ; for nothing short of this is 
worthy of our origin, and instead of restoring, 
would only tend to banish the divine image. 



118 LOVE TRUTHS FROM THE BIBLE. 

Now in the temporal affairs of life, even after the 
very utmost has been done, we should be prepared 
for disappointment ; for over and over again the net 
may be cast into the sea without results ; and like 
the disciples, we may toil all night, but take 
nothing. The enthusiasm and vigor of youth, the 
determination and power of manhood, and whatever 
of mental and physical strength remains to age, 
may all be expended wisely and continuously, yet 
in vain ; and the old man, who all his life has sown 
morning and evening, in cloud and in sunshine, 
may at last go down to the grave in poverty and 
want, without so much as gathering a single sheaf. 
The fact is discouraging ; but would it not be much 
more so, if the same uncertainty obtained in mat- 
ters concerning the soul ? It is a cause of sincere 
regret, that, under any circumstances, honest, per- 
sistent labor should command no reward ; but would 
it not be fearful, to know that there was a possibility 
of a devoted Christian life failing of its reward ? 
We therefore rejoice that, in respect to our most 
vital interests, an observance of the duty of con- 
tinued effort, is a guarantee of success. We may 
not know what this, or that act of service or worship 
will accomplish, and the Lord at times may sorely 
try our faith ; yet, if ever striving honestly to do 
the Master's will, if earnest and continuous in our 
consecration, we shall certainly reap from our sow- 
ing, and the harvest will be an abundant yield. 

Our assurance arises from the promises of God. 
Sin involved mankind in darkness ; but this dark- 
ness has been penetrated by beams of light, which 
intimate to us that ' i beyond the cloud is the sun still 
shining," and that, if we, guided by these silver 



LOVE TRUTHS FROM THE BIBLE. 119 

threads, will press steadily toward their source, a 
plain will at last be reached, where reigns perfec- 
tion itself. These gleams of hope and direction are 
such as, " he that asketh, receiveth ; he that seek- 
eth, findeth ; and to him that knocketh, it shall be 
opened:" (( I will never leave thee, nor forsake 
thee:" " him that cometh unto me, I will in no 
wise cast off:" " to him that is faithful unto death, 
will I give a crown of life." If there were nothing 
more, we would not be in despair ; for " though a 
mother may forget, yet will I not forget, saith the 
Lord ;" and He is able to fulfill unto the utmost all 
He has promised. The gracious pledges of His 
mercy and love which God has given, are to the 
soul wearied and discouraged by sin, a source of 
comfort and peace that diminish not, but increase 
with possession ; that cease not, but continue ever. 
Our assurance arises also from the purposes of 
God. This, or that individual may fail of the 
object he has proposed to himself; his life may be 
spent and end in disappointment and misfortune ; 
but there are no failures with Him, without whose 
permission even a sparrow may not fall to the 
ground, and who worketh all things after the coun- 
sel of His own will. The doctrine of predestina- 
tion is incomprehensible, and may be a terror to 
unbelievers ; but to true and faithful disciples it is 
a source of consolation : for, as it is written, "all 
things work together for good, to them who love 
God, to them who are the called according to His 
purpose." The very labors of the Christian are 
determined ; as is learned from this comforting pas- 
sage in Ephcsians ; "we are His workmanship, 
created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which 



120 LOVE TRUTHS FROM THE BIBLE. 

God hath before ordained that we should walk in 
them." " Fear not, little flock ; it is your Father's 
good pleasure to give you the kingdom ;" and the 
inheritance being thus made certain, there is a feel- 
ing of confidence and trust. 

But our assurance arises also from the co-opera- 
tion of God. It is written, "work out your own 
salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God 
who worketh in you both to will and to do of His 
good pleasure." If God therefore be for us, who, 
or what can be against us ? If He, with His infini- 
tude of wisdom and strength, be helping us to over- 
come our enemies, to liberate our souls from 
the guilt and power of sin, and to direct our steps 
in the way everlasting ; surely we may rejoice, not 
only in the hope, but also in the certainty of ulti- 
mate triumph. Knowing that He could not accom- 
plish the journey through the wilderness without 
divine help, Moses refused to make the endeavor, un- 
less God went with him : neither could we reach the 
kingdom of heaven without assistance from above ; 
but, knowing that God is with us, we go forth in 
His strength, and encourage ourselves with the 
thought — that it is only a question of time, as to 
when the inheritance will be ours. 

Is not our duty evident? While opportunity 
remains and life is ours, let us not be weary in well- 
doing, but faithful to the end. The dying cardinal 
exclaimed, if I had served my God, as I have served 
my king. He would not have left me in my hour of 
need. Such disappointments are frequent, and are 
intended to incline us to that service which should 
properly engage the soul. Let us sow our seed in 
the morning, and in the evening withhold not our 






LOVE TRUTHS FROM THE BIBLE. 121 

hand ; for, though we know not whether shall 
prosper, either this or that, there is — from the pro- 
mises, the purposes, and the co-operation of God 
an assurance of success ; and all this because of 
redeeming love. Thanks be to God, who giveth us 
the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 



122 LOVE TRUTHS FROM THE BIBLE. 



CHRIST, THE WAY. 

" I AM THE WAY, AND THE TRUTH, AND THE LIFE I No 

man comeih unto the Father, tut by me." — St. John, xiv : 6. 

The anatomist and ethnologist both present 
indisputable facts to prove the unity of the human 
race : but the argument most conclusive to the 
Christian heart, is the desire for God. This 
constitutes a bond of union, a source of sympa- 
thetic influence to all ages, all climes, all con- 
ditions of society, and with a strong probability 
points to the same earthly parent, as well as to a 
common origin. It is true that every art, every 
passion, every object of nature, even man himself, 
at some time or other has been deified ; but in all 
cases the underlying impulse is the same : we are 
therefore authorized in saying, that all men feel the 
need of a higher power upon which to rely : in a 
word — that all men thirst for God ; though of 
course with various degrees of intensity and clear- 
ness, from the most degraded heathen with his 
vague, undefined want, up to the Psalmist of Israel 
whose meat was his tears day and night, because of 
a brief absence from the temple of his God. The 
explanation of this universal need is found in the 
fact, that all mankind by their fall lost communion 
with God, are under his wrath and curse, and so 
made liable to all the miseries in this life — to death 
itself, and the pains of hell forever. 

But is there no escape from this terrible fate? 
Is man forever doomed to go through this world 



LOVE TRUTHS FROM THE BIBLE. 123 

of sorrow without a hope of rest ? All praise 
to eternal love ! The promise went forth just after 
the fall, that " the seed of the woman should 
bruise the serpent's head," that is, not only that 
the great Tempter himself should be finally over- 
come, but that his influence now should be counter- 
acted by a power, more effective as its source should 
be more exalted, and thus left free to the prompt- 
ings of his better nature and to the Spirit of God, 
man should return to his Father's house. This 
hope was continually kept alive by the chosen ser- 
vants of God ; for prophet after prophet foretold 
the coming of Messiah, portrayed His sufferings, 
and forshadowed His glory, both in language of 
noblest [prose, and in strains of grandest poetry, 
till at last he did come, whom the Jews had long ex- 
pected, whom the Gentiles were ready to welcome — 
Jesus of Nazareth, who in our text proclaims Him- 
self to be the Way, and the only way to regain the 
divine favor. " I am the way, and the truth, and 
the life : no man cometh to the Father but by me." 
The words truth and life are here explanatory, 
showing how Christ is the way, and so leaving the 
Jews without excuse in their wilful rejection of his 
claims. ' 

1st. Then, Christ is the Way, because He is 
the Truth. All true education proceeds by degrees. 
We do not speak to children about the great prin- 
ciples of science in their far-reaching applications, 
until they have become familiar with the more sim- 
ple laws of nature, and the way these are to be 
understood. The same gradual progress is observ- 
able in the religious life: 1st. An assurance of 
salvation through Christ ; then advancement to the 



124 LOVE TRUTHS FROM THE BIBLE. 

higher plains of Christian experience, till we all 
come in the unity of the faith, and of the know- 
ledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto 
the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ. 
In like manner God has dealt with His church on 
earth. His first revelation was one pre-eminently 
of commandments, which was a preparation for one 
preeminently of principles; as it is expressed by 
St. Paul — The law was a schoolmaster to bring us 
unto Christ For the extensive ritual which God 
gave the Jews, whose central feature was a sacrifi- 
cial atonement, served the purpose of impressing 
the fact upon the mind, that without the shedding 
of blood there was no remission of sins : but as it 
was impossible that the blood of bullocks and goats 
should take away sins, there was a constant point- 
ing forward to " a sacrifice of nobler name and richer 
blood than they." Christ then is the truth as 
opposed to all types and shadows. 

Hitherto the church had spoken as a child, had 
understood as a child, had thought as a child ; but 
now it was called upon to put away childish things ; 
for it had reached its manhood, when a true earn- 
est life must begin. The time for mere observances 
had passed. No longer the tedious requirements of 
the law were to engross the attention. Henceforward 
there was to be an all-pervading Spirit, under whose 
influence a universal progress would be ensured. 
" Behold the Lamb of God which taketh away the 
sins of the world," was the testimony of the Bap- 
tist, spoken fearlessly and spoken well ; confirming 
what had been done, and kindling a hope for the 
future which shall never be extinguished. That 



LOVE TRUTHS FROM THE BIBLE. 125 

was the last voice of the Old Testament and the 
first of the New. 

At once priest and victim, Christ made an offer- 
ing of Himself to satisfy divine justice, thus recon- 
ciling man to God : and as the moon and stars 
reflecting only borrowed light, vanish at the ap- 
proach of the great orb of day, so the Mosaic sys- 
tem with all its typical and symbolical rites and 
ceremonies, passed away on the appearance of the 
Great Anti-type, the Sun of Righteousness. Ac- 
cordingly, in the solemn hour of the crucifixion, 
the veil of the temple was rent in twain from top 
to bottom ; also a voice came from the dying Saviour 
saying, "It is finished," finished, because he had 
sprinkled the mercy-seat with His own precious 
blood, and he was soon to enter into the presence of 
God, there to make intercession for His people : 
therefore there is no more need of an interceding 
priesthood, no more need of an atonement for sin ; — 
but every one for himself may boldly approach a 
throne of grace, where God for Christ's sake is 
waiting to be gracious. 

But again. The impulse to worship is innate in 
human nature. The baneful effects of sin however, 
early appeared. Men very soon became vain in 
their imaginations, and their foolish hearts were 
darkened. Professing themselves to be wise, they 
became fools ; who change the truth of God into a 
lie, and worship and serve the creature more than 
the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen. Accord- 
ingly, in the time of Christ the whole world, except- 
ing the Jews, was given up to idolatry, and even 
now the larger part is sitting in the darkness of 
gross superstition. Christ also then is the truth, as 



126 LOVE TRUTHS FROM THE BIBLE. 

opposed to all idols, and to all that is false in the 
worship of the true God. 

As He said to the woman of Samaria, " God is a 
Spirit, and they that worship Him must worship 
Him in spirit and in truth." That was a rehuke 
both to idolatry, and to the heartless externalism of 
of the Jews. But on another occasion He said to 
His disciples, — "He that hath seen me, hath seen 
the Father." Again, " I and the Father are one." 
By these declarations He proclaimed Himself divine, 
who in the beginning was with God, and was God : 
the same as Jehovah of the Old Testament, "in 
whom we live, and move, and have our being." 
Thus to all other systems of religious belief the 
death-knell was sounded, and Jesus immediately 
began to subdue the world unto Himself: It having 
been ordained that "every knee shall bow, and every 
tongue confess that He is God." 

" All hail the power of Jesus' name ! 
Let angels prostrate fall ; 
Bring forth the royal diadem, 
And crown Him Lord of all." 

But Lastly. There are men who have desperately 
tried to live without God : some engaging in intel- 
lectual pursuits, others steeping themselves in the. 
cess-pools of passion and appetite ; others going 
doggedly through life in a sort of stoical indiffer- 
ence ; but with what wretched, miserable failures, 
if not their lives, certainly their death-beds will in 
all likelihood reveal. For, as it has been said; 
"a death-bed is a wonderful reasoner. Many a 
proud heart it has humbled without a word, who 
but a short time before would have defied any power 



LOVE TRUTHS FROM THE BIBLE. 127 

to have turned him from his course. For all is 
well as long as the curtain is up, and the puppet show 
of life goes on ; but when the rapid representation 
draws to a close, and all hope of longer respite is 
precluded, things appear in a very different light." 
Christ then, is the truth, as opposed to all that 
is false in human schemes for relief. 

A bird only wearies itself by endeavoring to get 
free from the trapper's net ; and in like manner these 
poor, misguided souls only get more involved by 
endeavoring to free themselves from the meshes of sin 
and care ; to all of whom Christ tenderly speaks, in 
language every word of which is a tear of sympa- 
thy. " Come unto Me all ye that labor and are 
heavy laden, and I will give you rest." Human 
supports will fail in the hour of need. Human 
plans will prove ineffectual to secure peace. Human 
sources of happiness, ceasing from one cause or 
another, will finally leave the spirit in despair. 
But they that trust in Christ shall never be con- 
founded. Their' s is an eternal rest. 

u O rest, so true, so sweet ! 
(Would it were shared by all the weary world!) 
'Neath shadowing banner of His love unfurled, 
We bend to kiss the Master's pierced feet, 
Then lean our love upon His loving breast, 
And know God's rest." 

Thus in being the truth, that is, in being that 
which is real, which fulfills expectation, which can 
be depended upon, and never fails or disappoints ; 
Christ is the way of reaching God. He is the true 
Shepherd, who calleth His own sheep by name, 
who leadeth them out in green pastures and 
beside still waters ; consequently He is the good 



128 LOVE TRUTHS FROM THE BIBLE. 

Shepherd, who, leaving the ninety and nine, gc-eth 
into the wilderness after the missing one ; that 
finally there may be one fold and one Shepherd ; a 
unity which is the perfection of existence, the ulti- 
mate triumph of infinite wisdom and love, certain 
death to base falsehood in every form, but a glorious 
perfecting of the resources of truth, by the eternal 
presence of Truth itself. 

But 2nd. Christ is the way, because He is the 
life. As a rock upheaved by some convulsion of 
nature, trembles on the brow of the mountain, only 
waiting the first stroke of the blast to be hurled in- 
to the valley below ; so Adam, after eating the for- 
bidden fruit, no longer felt secure in his old resting 
place in the favor of God, and only waited the com- 
pletion of his degradation which was not long de- 
layed. For in the very consciousness of willful 
disobedience, he realized the loss of the innocence 
and purity of his former life ; also that peace of 
mind, which results from a continued sense of the 
divine presence ; so that no audible voice was needed 
to convince him of sin. In the change of his whole 
nature, immediately following his transgression, 
he was self-condemned : therefore, in pronouncing 
the curse God only made man's external circum- 
stances to correspond to his inward condition. 
" Cursed be the ground for thy sake ; " but a far 
worse blight had already fallen upon the mind. 
" Thorns and thistles shall it bring forth unto 
thee;" but far sharper thorns and thistles had 
already sprung up in the heart. " Thou shalt eat 
thy bread in the sweat of thy face;" but a far 
more arduous labor had already engaged the soul 
in its conflict with evil. 



LOVE TRUTHS FROM THE BIBLE. 129 

Then the man and his wife were driven from 
Eden, and a flaming sword was placed to guard the 
way of the Tree of Life. Such was the beginning, 
but alas ! not the end of the work of sin. For no 
one descending from Adam by ordinary generation, 
has ever been free from the vile presence who lurks 
at the fire-side, in. the counting-room, in the church 
pew, in the pulpit, in the chamber of state. 
Wherever man appears, there sin forces her mis- 
shapen form into view, whose breath is poison to 
hope, and whose loathesome touch defiles the fair- 
est fruits life has to enjoy. 

Now there is a time, when objects animate be- 
come inanimate as stone. If questioned then as to 
their condition, we say, "they are dead." Their 
forms are as perfect as they were before ; but some- 
thing is wanting, without which they lie motionless 
and cold. We call that somethin g —physical life. 
In like manner there is the death of the soul, de- 
scribed above in the case of Adam and his descend- 
ants, which is the penalty for sin. The constitu- 
tion of human nature seems not different from what 
it was before the fall ; but something is wanting, 
without which there is an incapacity for true holi- 
ness. We call that something — spiritual life, the 
source of Christian graces, the ground of Christian 
privileges, and of a possibility to hold communion 
with God as with a friend. 

To restore this spiritual life — was the mission of 
Christ: as he said Himself, "lam come that ye 
may have life : " (again,) " ye will not come unto me, 
that ye may have life." From this it appears, that 
with acceptance of Christ comes a living germ, 
whose development constitutes Christian experience, 

7 



130 LOVE TRUTHS FROM THE BIBLE. 

" Nor can the vain toil cease 
Till in the shadowy maze we meet 
One who can guide our acliing wayward feet 
To find himself our way, our life, our peace. 
In Him the long unrest is soothed and stilled ; 
Our hearts are filled:" 

filled with the consciousness of a power never pos- 
sessed before, of a re-animating of all spiritual en- 
ergies, of a mighty movement of the soul upward 
toward God, of a passing from death unto life. 

Thus in beiug the Truth and the Life, Christ is 
the way, and our simple duty is to heed the exhor- 
tation which saith, "this is the way ; walk ye in 
it." Let us cling then to the truth which will 
make us free ; — free from the power of sin — in the 
world, in the flesh, in the adversary ; free to fulfil 
the high design of our creation ; free to seek God, 
who alone is sufficient to satisfy our wants. Let us 
never fail to frequent the fountain, where alone can 
be found the elixir of life, which, not only perpetu- 
ates existence, but makes the dead to live again, 
brings back the prodigal to his father's embrace. 
By thus regarding the truth and the life, we shall 
walk in the way ; the way, not devised by human 
wisdom, — but by that wisdom which created the 
world ; the way which leads man back to more than 
was lost in Paradise ; the way from despair to hope, 
from sorrow to comfort, from unrest to peace, from 
defilement to holiness, from enmity to love for 
God, with which comes every possible good. 

The fcHar of Bethlehem guided the wise men from 
the East, resting above the manger where the lowly 
Jesus lay a helpless babe : and having found him, 
they rejoiced, worshipped, and presented unto Him 



LOVE TRUTHS FROM THE BIBLE. 131 

their gifts, gold, and frankincense and myrrh. 
Now to the eye of faith that Star still shines ; no 
longer casting its "beams earthward but heavenward, 
whither Jesus hath gone as king of kings to " pre- 
pare a place for us : " therefore let us seek Him, 
and having found Him, rejoice, worship, and pre- 
sent unto Him our gifts, not only our gold, and 
frankincense, and myrrh, but our lives and our 
hearts. Thus God may be reached ; and the shining 
way is through Jesus ; Jesus, who with a hand 
gentler than woman's, wipes from the cheek all 
bitter burning tears ; with a manhood united to 
Godhood, allures to virtue's highest ideal ; with a 
knowledge extending to omniscience, guides the 
mind through endless mazes of eternal truth ; -with 
a power reaching to omnipotence^ strikes down 
every opposing foe, and taking the time-tired soul 
in His arms, bears it safely home. 

Brethren, " there is a way which no fowl knoweth, 
and the vulture's eye hath not seen ; " but it may be 
found by every humble disciple of Jesus. Therefore 
arouse you and come ; let us rise so far on our way, 
as to be above the attraction of earth ; let us be 
hastening on our journey ; for the day is far spent, 
and the night is coming on. Besides, though the 
way is open now, who can tell, oh ! who can tell 
how soon it may be closed. May God abundantly 
bless, and direct us all to walk in the way : — a 
way, not always strewn with flowers and the plea- 
sant things of life, but where piercing thorns often 
force from the soul agonizing cries of pain, where 
trials often seem too grievous to be endured. Never- 
theless, along the path there are gleams of sun- 
shine from generous thoughts and deeds : here and 



132 LOVE TRUTHS FROM THE BIBLE. 

there we catch the fragrance and beauty of a 
flower, — planted by the hand of love : now and 
then we bathe the fevered brow in some cool refresh- 
ing stream from the presence of our God ; and al- 
most every hour is marked by some fresh, new song 
from sweet voiced Hope. 

" Then let my way appear, steps unto Heaven ; 
All that Thou sendest me in mercy given; 
Angels to beckon me — 
Nearer my God to Thee, 
Nearer my God to Thee, 
Nearer to Thee." 



LOVE TRUTHS FROM THE BIBLE. 133 



THE IMPORTANT CHOICE. 

" Choose you this day whom ye will serve." — Joshua, xxiv : 15. 

It is a proof of wisdom, and genuine interest in 
the welfare of a people, that a statesman, before 
relinquishing his office, should endeavor to eradicate 
existing evils, confirm advantages already secured, 
and, as far as possible, provide for the future always 
rendered uncertain by a change of administration. 
Thus Joshua when about to die, following the ex- 
ample of his noble predecessor, assembled together 
the people of Israel, and made one last effort in 
their behalf by recalling them to the worship of 
the true Grod. God, he said, had chosen out their 
father Abraham, had led him to the land of Canaan, 
had given him a son Isaac^, had given Isaac, 
Jacob and Esau, had sent Jacob with his children 
down into Egypt, had brought them out when a 
mighty nation by the hand of Moses and Aaron, 
had cared for them in the wilderness, and had con- 
quered their enemies in the land of promise, giving 
them cities, vineyards and olive-yards, on which 
they had bestowed no labor. 

The conclusion from all this is expressed in verse 
14 : " Now therefore fear the Lord, and serve Him 
in sincerity and truth ; and put away the gods 
which your fathers served on the other side of the 
flood, and in Egypt ; and serve ye the Lord." But 
for the purpose of bringing them to a decision in the 
matter, he added the exhortation in verse 15 : "And 
if it seem evil unto you to serve the Lord, choo.se 



134 LOVE TRUTHS FROM THE BIBLE. 

you this day whom ye will serve ; whether the gods 
which your fathers served that were on the other 
side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in 
whose land ye dwell : but as for me and my house 
we will serve the Lord." At the first glance one 
might suppose, that the choice here was between 
two classes of idols ; but if they had forsaken the 
worship of the true God, of what concern was it 
to Joshua, whether they adopted the more refined 
idolatry of their Chaldean ancestors, or the grosser 
type among the Amorites. The whole context in- 
dicates, that the people were called upon to make 
a choice between the true God and idols. But 
to place the matter still more fairly, the exhorta- 
tion was really equal to this : Choose ye this day 
to serve the living and true God. 

The appeal comes with equal force to those of the 
present day ; therefore we beseech you, my friends, 
to choose this day to serve God. If we were dis- 
posed to speak of gratitude, it would be proper to 
remind you, that your every breath, your life itself, 
and all the blessings you enjoy are gifts from God's 
hand ; but, if possible, we wish to present the sub- 
ject in a still more practical form. Small matters 
should not be in the least neglected. A mind well 
cultured, will attend to things of little account as 
well as to those of greater concern. But it is a 
principle of common sense, that different objects 
should receive attention in proportion to their im- 
portance, that is, should command more interest, 
more exertion, and precedence as to time, if any 
necessity exist. Accordingly, we urge you to make 
your choice of God this day, because of the magni- 
tude of the issues at stake. 



LOVE TRUTHS FROM THE BIBLE. 135 

The trade or profession which a youth should 
choose, is a subject of much consideration with his 
parents and himself. In like manner, the maiden, 
when about to trust herself to another, thinks much 
about the character of her future home, whether it 
will be one of love, therefore of happiness, or one 
of indifference, therefore of discontent. And in 
general, when men are about to engage in any pro- 
ject ; the cultivation of a piece of land, the taking 
of a journey, or the performance of a business trans- 
action, they spend long seasons in deliberation, so 
that the best results may be secured, and that after- 
wards there may be no occasion for regret. All this 
is very commendable. We like to see people thus 
wise and prudent ; for those who are careless in 
things temporal, are not those to be relied upon in 
things spiritual. 

Yet Oh! how strange , my friends, to think so 
much of this life, and never of the life beyond ! 
How strange to take such wise precautions for time, 
and never for eternity ! How strange to provide so 
well for the body and for the mind, and never for 
the immortal soul, hungering and thirsting after 
G-od! Are men insane that they will act thus? 
Are they so much under the power of the world, 
the flesh, and the Devil, that they do not realize 
how much is involved ? no less a matter than the 
salvation of their souls, for the loss of which noth- 
ing would be a compensation. For what if the 
wealth of India were piled at their feet ! what if 
the whole world were their possession ! all this, in 
time to come, would not destroy the sting of the 
worm which dieth not — all this would not heal the 
burn of the fire which is not quenched, 



136 LOVE TRUTHS FROM THE BIBLE. 

Calm, sober reflection is what is wanting, an 
asking of self the questions : What am I living for ? 
Where will I spend eternity? If men would thus 
consider, we think there would be no doubt as to 
the result. Knowing is one thing, but realizing is 
another. Men know that they are immortal, but 
Oh ! they do not realize the fact. " Immortal ! If 
were but one, how would others envy — how would 
thrones adore ! Because it is common, is the bless- 
ing lost?" Alas! to those who ^persist in their 
course of sin, immortality, as a source of happiness, 
will be lost ; but, as a source of misery, it will be 
terribly present ; so that the hour will come, when 
they will curse the day of their birth, and cry with 
Job: " Wherefore is light given to him that is in 
misery, and life unto the bitter in soul ; who long 
for death, but it cometh not ; and dig for it more 
than for hid treasures." But serving God brings 
far different results, an eternal ascending from 
height to height of peace and joy, ensured by the 
divine promises which can never fail. 

Thus "the part and rank of the soul," to all 
eternity, are determined by its conduct in time. 
The echo, of what is done now, will sound through 
the ages of the beyond ; and therefore every moment 
is unalterably shaping human destiny, either for 
evil, or for good. Why — the mariner, whose vessel 
is near a dangerous coast, does not delay to take 
every precaution to ensure his safety. Men are ter- 
ribly indifferent only in regard to the welfare of 
their souls, in comparison with which, loss of physi- 
cal life is altogether insignificant. ? A sincere choice 
to serve God is all that is required. Union with 
Him is security against all evil, and a pledge of all 



LOVE TRUTHS FROM THE BIBLE. 137 

good. For He, who tinges the rose with her deli- 
cate blush, paints the colors of the beautiful bow of 
peace, guides the planets in their ceaseless course, 
and holds the universe in the hollow of His hand, 
will fully provide for those who love Him, and will 
make all things work together for their good. 

But again : We urge you to make your choice of 
God this day because of Him, from whom the ex- 
hortation comes. Would we heed the advice of one 
who is ignorant of our condition ? by no means. 
Would we heed the advice of one who is not in sym- 
pathy with us? Very seldom. In this whole matter 
then, we are governed by our estimate of Him who 
would exercise the privilege. Now it is not chiefly 
the preacher who bids you make your choice, though 
God knows that we earnestly desire that every one 
should come to a saving knowledge of the truth : 
nor is it merely Joshua, the writer of the text, who 
speaks to you in this exhortation : but it is none 
other than God himself, possessing every qualifica- 
tion to exercise the right. 

He has thorough knowledge of your condition ; 
nothing is hid from His gaze. As the Psalmist 
saith : " Lord Thou hast searched me and known 
me." He knows not only your sins, but your trials, 
difficulties and temptations, your sufferings, sighs 
and tears, your longings for rest and peace. Ac- 
cordingly also, it is known unto Him, not only how 
to deliver from the guilt and power of sin, but also 
how to afford strength for the task of life, to pour 
balm upon the wounded heart, and to satisfy all 
the desires of the soul. 

But still farther, God regards you with a bound- 
less love, which found a touching expression in those 



138 LOVE TRUTHS FROM THE BIBLE. 

tears wept by Jesus, with the sorrowing sisters over 
the death of their brother ; whose full depth, how- 
ever, only the sacrifice on Calvary adequately exem- 
plified. Human love gives a charm to this exist- 
ence of ours, drawing one out of the narrow circle 
of self, affording the purest pleasures earth may 
know, and so inter-blending the experiences of 
hearts thus united, that joy becomes more joyous, 
and sorrowless sorrowful, by being shared. If so, 
how should we value the love of Christ ! which 
cannot be prompted by any selfish interest, has 
wondrously existed from all eternity, and if possi- 
ble, is intensified by many sweet, though chastened 
memories of earth. 

But this is not all. With God there are infinite 
resources of power, by whom all things were 
created and all things consist. " Who layeth the 
beams of His chambers in the waters ; who maketh 
the clouds His chariot ; who walketh upon the wings 
of the wind." Who said to the sea, "Hitherto 
shalt thou come but no farther, and here shall thy 
proud waves be stayed ,: iC Who laid the founda- 
tions of the earth that it should not be removed for- 
ever." Is he not, then, able to help you, ye of 
little faith ! Come then to God as a refuge from 
the storm — as a shadow from the heat. Is it better 
to rely upon your own weak arm — alas ! so weak 
that it often falls powerless to the side ? Is it better 
to rely upon your own deceptive judgment — alas ! 
so deceptive that error is continually regarded as 
truth ? God has an arm which can never fail ; 
God has a directing spirit which will never lead 
astray. Thus knowing, loving, and able to help 



LOYE TRUTHS FROM THE BIBLE. 139 

you to the uttermost, God warns and persuades you 
to choose at this time whom you will serve. 

But lastly— we urge you to make your choice this 
day, because of the uncertainty of life. We all 
know that we must die. " God for our improve- 
ment gives us daily warning, and everything around 
us speaks of dissolution. The falling leaf, the pass- 
ing cloud, the bursting bubble, the expiring wave, 
the setting sun, the sunken moon — yea all things 
in nature, point to the end of animate and inani- 
mate objects. And when we fail to observe in 
nature, death enters the domestic circle and wrenches 
from our arms the fondest object of our affection, 
blasts it before our eyes, withers it when perhaps it 
appears in its greatest vigor, or else gradually turns 
it into corruption." And so it is; we live now, 
but who is sure of seeing the light of another day? 
We know not the hour when the awful summons 
will come ; for when they say, peace and safety, 
destruction is near. But he who waits always on 
God, is ready whensoever he is called ; and happy 
they are, who so live that ''death at all times may 
find them at leisure to die;" for at anytime — at 
any age, the terrible crisis may come. 

The old of course must die. The whitened locks, 
the wasted cheeks tell only too plainly of the ap- 
proaching change. In respect to those, therefore, 
who are so far advanced in years, prudence has but 
one thing to urge : "Prepare to moot thy God ;" 
for when the summer has come, the wild grass may 
be growing over their last resting place, and child- 
ren's faces may be wet with tears for those, who 
will never return again. We do not remind you 
of this, aged men and women, to cause you pain ; 



140 LOVE TRUTHS FROM THE BIBLE. 

we would only warn you to be ready for the solemn 
hour of passing away from earth. The Queen of 
England, though she had lived seventy years, was 
not prepared for death, and said when dying : " I 
would give all my kingdom for one inch of time;" 
but too late. Besides, a death-bed should be alto- 
gether free from anxiety as to one's salvation. A 
matter of so much importance should never be left 
till the last stroke of the great enemy is about to 
fall. 

To the young, life stretches away far down the 
vista of years, thronged with countless images of 
what may be experienced and accomplished ; and 
that it is thus, it is well. We would never say a 
word to sadden the pleasant dream-life of youth ; 
for, as some one has said : " It is the duty of young 
people to be always delighted and delightful." 
But, my young friends, we would not have you rest 
upon a false security. Death comes in the morn- 
ing, as well as in the evening of life. The grave 
is full of the young and strong. What is fancied to 
be in the distance, may be very, very near. 

Both for youth and old age, "to live holy is the 
way to live safely," and at any hour to die happily. 
For innocence is bold, and will strengthen you to 
face danger, while, on the other hand, wickedness 
is cowardly, suspects that every bush conceals a foe, 
and trembles at the sound of every passing leaf. 
But to the servants of God, old age will not be a 
source of much regret. With them the conflict is 
all but over, — the victory nearly won, God and 
heaven almost reached. Their senses are failing to 
note the objects of earth, but the glory of the 
things, which God hath prepared for them that 



LOVE TRUTHS FROM THE BIBLE. 141 

love him, is beginning to dawn upon their souls. 
Then also, to the servants of God, youth is not a 
source of great exultation as affording opportunities 
for pleasure, but opportunities for vigorous effort 
in the cause of truth — to augment its power in 
one's own heart, and to extend its benign influence 
in a world, where error has made sad havoc of 
human peace and happiness. 

Thus spent, life will be a success, inasmuch as 
it will insure a preparation for death ; so that, 
whether one be called away while still ascending 
the sunny hillside — still advancing toward the 
summit of middle life ; or when he is descending 
the other side into the vale of years, the answer 
may always be, Master, here am I.i 

We have endeavored to give the reasons, not 
only why you should choose to serve God, but why 
you should choose to serve him this day. Now is the 
accepted time, now is the day of salvation. The 
Lord's feast is ready. Each one of you has a special 
invitation, Come, ere it be too late — ere the doors 
are closed, exclaiming with Joshua, u As for me 
and my house, we will serve the Lord." 



U2 LOVE TRUTHS FROM THE BIBLE. 



THE MOUNTAIN SERVICE. 

"And seeing the multitudes, He went up into a moun- 
tain: and when He was set, His disciples came unto Him: 
and He opened His mouth and taught them.'" — St. Matthew, 
v : 1, 2. 

Hillel, Gamaliel and the other distinguished 
teachers of the Jews had their seats in the schools 
and synagogues, within convenient reach of all 
the various helps which those well furnished estab- 
lishments afforded, in the communication of know- 
ledge ; but that nature should afford a preaching 
place to the Saviour — was in keeping with the fact 
that, though the foxes have holes and the birds 
of the air have nests, the Son of Man had not 
where to lay His head. The green earth was His 
only resting place, and the objects of nature about 
Him, his only helps to instruct the people; yet 
thereby our hearts lay hold of the precious truth, 
that God does not confine the manifestations of His 
presence to certain locations, but will meet with 
His disciples in the open air, as well as in the shel- 
tered inclosure; in the humble meeting-house, as 
well as in the magnificent temple. This was con- 
trary to the idea of the Jews, who supposed that Pales- 
tine was the only land ; Jerusalem, the only city, 
and their temple, the only house of worship, which 
God would favor with His presence ; as if the world 
existed for them only, and the rest of mankind 
were deserving of no attention. 



LOVE TRUTHS FROM THE BIBLE. 143 

Not far from the ruins of ancient Capernaum is 
an eminence, known as Mount of Beatitudes. It 
was here in all likelihood, that the Sermon on the 
mount was delivered ; for, besides the significant 
name just mentioned, which has been transmitted 
by tradition, the elevation is the only one of any 
considerable height, on the western side of the Sea 
of Galilee in that locality, and is quite near the shore, 
where the calling of the disciples occurred just be- 
fore the delivery of the Sermon. The Master asso- 
ciated much with the people, their spiritual and 
temporal wants being His constant care ; but He 
often withdrew Himself from the hurry and confu- 
sion of the world to places of quiet and seclusion ; 
and owing to the mountainous character of the 
country, opportunities for retirement were numer- 
ous and inviting. These mountain scenes in the 
life of Christ stand out prominently into view, each 
of special interest to believers ; and they really 
constitute the most important events in the Saviour's 
experience ; as for example, the night of prayer, 
the Transfiguration, the Ascension, and not least, the 
occasion under consideration. 

As the Mosaic law was given on a mountain, 
it was appropriate that its full development (the 
Christian law,) should have had a similar place for 
its exposition ; but we cannot fail to note the strik- 
ing contrast. Sinai was in the midst of a rough 
and burning desert, and its sides were clothed iB 
hard and barren rock ; surroundings well befitting 
the stern character of the Jewish dispensation : 
while the Mount of Beatitudes was in the midst of 
a populous and fruitful region ; its sides clothed in 
waving fields ; and not far from its base, laving the 



144 LOVE TRUTHS FROM THE BIBLE. 

shore with a pleasant music, and sparkling in the 
bright sunshine, was the Sea of Galilee. Clouds 
and thick darkness enveloped Sinai ; so terrible the 
sight, that Moses said, " I exceedingly fear and 
quake: " while the calm, clear light of a cloudless 
sky bathed, as in a sea of glory, the Mount of 
Beatitudes ; and we imagine, that even the eagle who 
built her nest among the rocks above, was scarcely 
disturbed by the peaceful scene. 

The scene to which we refer, was— Jesus sitting 
in the midst of His disciples, above the tumult of 
busy life, speaking quietly, kindly, yet Oh ! how 
earnestly, as one who knew the importance of His 
message ; and the great multitudes gathered from 
Galilee, from Decapolis, from Jerusalem, from Judea 
and from beyond Jordan, in profound attention, 
as the words of life came from His lips. Yes, the 
scene was peaceful ; yet, who may conceive of one 
more sublime; the preacher, God Himself; His 
congregation, the world ; His text, the Old Testa- 
ment ; his church, nature's grand cathedral; its 
pulpit, a mountain ; its benches, the green earth ; 
its lamp, the sun ; its dome, the boundless heavens. 
A service more divine, more impressive, was never 
held. Its echo is still sounding through the ages ; 
its influence is still felt among men ; and its recol- 
lections will continue to gladden many a heart long 
after time has ceased, and the universe itself has 
passed away. 

Peter, in addressing the Jews, spoke of Jesus of 
Nazareth— as "a man approved of God," and 
numerousfacts in the Saviour's life confirm this tes- 
timony. A heavenly host proclaims His birth. The 
Spirit rested upon Him in bodily form at baptism. 



LOVE TRUTHS FROM THE BIBLE. 145 

Angels ministered unto Him after His temptation. 
Moses and Elias communed with Him on the Mount 
of Transfiguration, when a voice came from heaven, 
saying, " this is my well beloved Son." Death 
was not permitted to retain His body ; and forty 
days after His resurrection a cloud received Him up 
to God. But as to His authority it is written, 
" the Father hath sent me;" as to His preparation, 
" the Spirit of the Lord God is upon me ; because the 
Lord hath anointed me to preach good tidings ; " 
and as to His consecration, u my meat is to do the 
will of Him that sent me, and to finish His work." 

Thus thoroughly competent for His work, Jesus 
preached through the length and breadth of Pales- 
tine, ready alike to make known His message to 
the ruler coming to Him at night, and to the 
woman comiug to Him at noon-day ; to the Naza- 
renes who sought His destruction, and to the mul- 
titudes who were astonished at His doctrine ; to the 
crowds who followed Him because He had given 
them bread, and to the sisters who sent for Him 
because he whom He loved was sick ; to the high 
priest, whose demand for proof of His identity was 
prompted by a base desire to put Him to death, and 
to the disciple whose similar demand was prompted 
by a desire for the truth. Accordingly, there were 
such acknowledgments as these; " we know that 
Thou art a teacher come from God :" " Sir, I per- 
ceive Thou art a prophet : " " Yea Lord, I believe 
that thou art the Christ, the Son of God, who 
should come into the world: " " My Lord, and 
my God." 

Thus we reach the divine character of Christ. 
He was not only a man approved of God, but God 



14:6 LOVE TRUTHS FROM THE BIBLE. 

Himself; and from this fact what a new interest 
gathers about the Preacher, what a new signifi- 
cance is given to His revelations It is not strange 
therefore, that the people heard Him gladly, that 
the Nazarenes before their jealousy was excited, 
wondered at His gracious words, and that the offi- 
cers sent to take Him, when asked, why have ye 
not brought Him, answered, " never man spake 
like this man." For other teachers among the 
Jews appealed to the traditions of the fathers — to 
enforce what they said ; but what Christ taught, 
was not drawn from books or observation, but from 
the depths of his own mind, and was a part of the 
perfect knowledge belonging to Him as God. The 
testimony is, that "He taught as one having autho- 
rity, and not as the scribes." 

He was a great scholar ; but His scholarship was 
not the learning of the schools : it was the know- 
ledge of things unseen and eternal. He was a 
great student ; but His study was not the arts, 
sciences and literature of men : it was meditation 
upon the new heavens and the new earth. He was 
a great theologian ; but His theology was not the 
discussion of mere questions : it was the doctrine of 
life and death. He was a great orator ; but His 
oratory was not the display of the rhetorician : it 
was the simple eloquence of truth. He was a great 
philosopher ; but His philosophy was not an aggre- 
gation of trifling subtleties: it was a deep, true 
insight into men and things, the requisite most 
essential to success in any pursuit, but especially in 
preaching the gospel, whose object is the restoration 
of mankind to communion with God, 



LOVE TRUTHS FROItf THE BIBLE. 147 

Thus gifted, with a cause to maintain and a pur- 
pose to fulfil, Jesus seeing the multitudes, went up 
into a mountain — in striking contrast to the time 
when God came down upon a mountain: " and 
when He was set, His disciples came unto Him : 
and He opened His mouth, and taught them." 
Previous to this time He had delivered short ad- 
dresses to small assemblies in the various syna- 
gogues He had entered ; but now He began the 
longest discourse in His ministry — perhaps to His 
largest audience ; and as He advanced into His sub- 
ject, as He perceived that interest was increasing, and 
as He became inspired with the hope that out of so 
many some might be saved, how He must have 
uttered His words more impressibly ! how he must 
have regarded the people more anxiously ! and in 
the inmost depths of His soul, how He must have 
prayed more earnestly — that the truth might be 
received ! 

Immediately surrounding Jesus were the twelve 
disciples, and beyond these, on the grassy slopes of 
the mountain were the multitudes, gathered from 
all the surrounding region. We may suppose that 
the business places in the neighboring city of Ca- 
pernaum were closed, that the traffic on the sea 
shore was for the time interrupted, that travellers 
paused on their way, and that one and all were 
eager to hear the Preacher, whose fame had gone 
abroad throughout all the country. Not the mere 
desire to hear some "new thing/' as in the case of 
the Athenians, brought this vast multitude to the 
preaching of Chirst ; but they seemed anxious to be 
instructed in a doctrine which gave them hope of 
a. change to their advantage, dissatisfied as they 



1-48 LOVE TRUTHS FROM THE BIBLE. 

were with their condition, and no such general 
interest had been excited since the baptism of John. 
As described by Christ, the people were as sheep 
without a shepherd, and it was so perhaps — that in 
Him they thought to find relief. 

The first reason for the presence of the twelve, 
however, was their call. Out of the large number 
of his followers Jesus had chosen them to be his con- 
stant attendants. To many of them he had only 
said, " follow me;" and they had left their boats 
and nets (in one case a father) to obey the command, 
and now they were receiving from Him the needed 
instruction to increase their faith, and to prepare 
them for their future work. Accordingly, as Jesus 
proceeded with his discourse, there was at least this 
much encouragement, that as far as his disciples 
were concerned, his words would not be in vain. He 
knew that at least in their hearts the seed sown, 
would bring forth a rich harvest to their own sal- 
vation and to the glory of God. All but one 
remained with him until his crucifixion ; all the 
eleven returned to him after his resurrection ; all 
these( it is said) excepting St. John died in defence 
of the truth first heard, to any extent, on the Mount 
of Beatitudes, and they are now enjoying the rewards 
of the kingdom of heaven. 

Many of the people had come with a hope — that 
they would be cured of their diseases and torments, 
a hope fully realized ; for Jesus healed them all ; 
but there was far more than this to be obtained ; for 
they also found the physician of souls. They had 
only expected to procure physical relief; but an 
opportunity was also afforded to obtain spiritual 
peace ; and we cannot but think — that the sermon, 



LOVE TRUTHS FROM THE BIBLE. L49 

directed immediately to the disciples but intended 
for all, made a deep impression upon the multi- 
tude. It is recorded — that they were astonished at 
the doctrine ; and when Jesns came down from the 
mountain, they still followed him, as if desirous to 
hear more of the truth. Surely we may cherish the 
hope — that of that vast throng some are now rejoic- 
ing in heaven, and look back to that hour, as the 
time when first impelled to give their hearts to 
Christ. 

The Sermon on the mount is the most important 
on record. It demonstrates to us — that the law and 
the gospel are not opposed to each other, and are 
parts of the one grand revelation of God to man. 
It is true — that in one justice predominates, while 
in the other, mercy ; that in one God chiefly appears 
as a judge, while in the other, as a father : but 
mercy without justice would command no respect, 
and a father without law would be false to his trust. 
Accordingly, Sinai and the Mount of Beatitudes 
must be viewed together ; the latter of course reach- 
ing nearer heaven, so that more of God is seen, and 
more of divine light clothes all objects in greater 
loveliness and increased attractiveness to the soul. 
In fact, God in the cloud and Jesus sitting in the 
midst of the people must be regarded as one, and 
having given the law, he now came to complete 
his revelation. 

Now what is our concern with this sermon ? 
what have we to do with what was said nearly two 
thousand years ago on a far off mountain in obscure 
Galilee? " Much everyway," just as much as had 
those then, and there assembled. For we are also 
under the guilt and power of sin ; the law is also 



150 LOVE TRUTHS FROM THE BIBLE. 

insufficient for us ; we are also the objects of redeem- 
ing love ; therefore the message is also to us: and 
so then, we are also either wise or foolish, we are 
also building on the rock or sand, just according 
as we regard, or disregard the sayings of Christ. 
We do not hear the Saviour speak, and we do not 
experience the influence of his bodily presence, as 
did those on the Mount of Beatitudes ; but his doc- 
trine has been put on record, has lost none of its 
meaning or value, and is the source of hope and life 
to mankind. 

"I am come to fulfil." In this declaration which 
occurs in the Sermon on the mount, is the interpre- 
tation to all scripture. All that came before Christ, 
in the way of type and symbol and prophecy, was 
a preparation for his coming ; and all that has come 
after Him, in the way of teaching and preaching 
and Christian work, is only a development of what he 
did and was. How precions then are the words of 
Christ, and how careful we should be to discover and 
profit by their meaning. " The almost Christian 
words of Socrates — the best of the heathen men — are 
scarcely remembered, by even the few ; the wisdom 
of Solon is musty with oblivion ; the idealist phil- 
osophy of Plato is but a half remembered dream ; 
the misty moralizing of Seneca, charmed but those 
groping on the dark border land between heathen- 
ism and Christian faith ; while the gospel of Christ 
is the grand stately cathedral of wisdom and truth, 
from whose lofty belfry the blessed words of Jesus 
chime forth sweet and captivating as silver bells 
on the hushed evening air." 



LOVE TRUTHS FROM THE BIBLE. 151 



THE CHRISTIAN'S EXPERIENCE OF SIN. 

" For we know that the law is spiritual : but I am carnal, 
sold under sin. For that which I do, I allow not : for what I 
would, that do I not : but what I hate, that do I. If then I 
do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that it is 
good. Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that 
dwelleth in me. For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) 
dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but 
how to perform that which is good I find not. For the good 
that I would, I do not ; but the evil which I would not, that 
I do. Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do 
it, but sin that dwelleth in me. I find then a law, that, 
when I would do good, evil is present with me. For I de- 
light in the law of God after the inward man. But I see 
another law in my members, warning against the law of my 
mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which 
is in my members. O wretched man that I am ! who shall 
deliver me from the body of this death ? I thank God 
through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I 
myself serve the law of God ; but with the flesh the law of 
sin." — Romans, vii : 14-25. 

The primary object of the law was doubtless to 
restrain from sin, but it was also a school-master 
to lead unto Christ ; and one of the ways by which 
it performed the last mentioned service, is learned 
from this chapter. " Was then that which is good 
made death unto me? God forbid. But sin, that it 
might appear sin ; working death in me by that 
which is good ; that sin by the commandment might 
become exceeding sinful." That is, that sin might 
be set forth in its full extent of existence and influ- 
ence, as completely pervading human nature, and as 
possessing a power not to be overcome by human 



152 LOVE TRUTHS FROM THE BIBLE. 

efforts ; so that men would be compelled to accept 
the offer of salvation by faith in ( 'hrist, because of 
their utter inability to get the mastery of sin, and 
as its penalty is a burden too grievous to bear. 

But the verses under consideration demonstrate 
the fact — that acceptance of Christ does not liberate 
from sin in this life : it justifies the sinner, how- 
ever, in the sight of G-od, ensures to him divine 
favor, and inspires him with the hope — that at the 
last he shall come forth from the ordeal as gold 
seven times purified. The great conflict between 
good and evil principles in the mind of the Chris- 
tian, is here portrayed, and the description is made 
much more impressive by the use of the present 
tense, together with the first person which St. Paul 
often employed, not merely to give expression to 
his own experience, but that every one might be- 
come more acquainted with his own condition, 
better prepared to endure the hardships of the 
Christian warfare, and appreciate its triumphs. 

The two antagonistic forces are first mentioned. 
On the one hand, there is the " laiu spiritual," 
that is, holy, just and good; while on the other 
hand, there is sin to which the apostle acknowledges 
he is in subjection, using the very strong expression, 
" sold under sin." The effect of the encounter is 
given in verse 15 ; doing what he allows not ap- 
proves not; doing not what he would, but doing 
what he hates : and how precisely all this answers to 
the experience of every one who is striving to live 
above the world For passion and appetite war 
against high resolve and desired purity of heart ; 
evil inclinations oppose themselves to good inten- 
tions ; the darkness of error obscures the light of 



LOVE TRUTHS FROM THE BIBLE. 153 

saving truth, and suggestions of the great adver- 
sary of souls impede the work of the Holy Spirit ; 
so that life is one continued struggle to get farther 
away from self, and nearer to God, with whom is 
boundless sufficiency, therefore infinite rest, peace, 
love and happiness. 

Even men of the world are much disturbed by 
the promptiugs of passion and prejudice, in opposi- 
tion to the dictates of sound judgment ; as it is 
expressed by Ovid, " Desire prompts to one thing, 
but my mind persuades to another: we see and 
approve the good, yet pursue the wrong." Such 
being so with the unregenerate, it is not strange 
that Christians should suffer from the same cause ; 
for in both cases human nature is corrupt, and 
while men of the world have the voice only of the 
moral law to make a feeble remonstrance against 
their sinful desires, men of God have all the power 
both of the moral law and divine commandment to 
oppose their evil inclinations, and therefore the 
contest is severe and prolonged ; for each must work 
out his own salvation with fear and trembling, 
though of course always encouraged by the precious 
truth — that it is God who worketh in them both to 
will and to do of His good pleasure. 

In addition also to the unholy desires which day 
by day force their way into consciousness, previous 
habits of inclination, feeling and thought, continue 
to exert a debasing influence long after they have 
ceased to be regarded with favor. The reformed 
debauchee often sighs for the pleasures he has for- 
ever renounced ; the convinced skeptic is often 
troubled with the doubts which once he cherished ; 
and the infidel of former years is often tempted 
8 



154 LOVE TRUTHS FROM THE BIBLE. 

amid the strange dispensations of providence, to 
say, "there is no God ;" or if there he, He is so 
far removed from all the affairs of earth, as not to 
be concerned with human fortune and destiny. 
Yes, as some one has said; the very " passage of 
an impure thought through the mind leaves pollu- 
tion behind it; where sin has been indulged it 
leaves its withering, desolating effect upou the con- 
verted soul, and produces that state of conflict, with 
which every Christian is familiar." 

In the following eight verses two facts are set 
forth. First, St. Paul not only consents to, but 
delights in the law of God. Now there is no 
higher test of the regenerated heart than its de- 
light, that is, its love for divine commandments ; 
the ability to say with the Psalmist, "more to be 
desired are they than gold, yea than much fine 
gold: sweeter also than honey and the honey- 
comb." For though the Christian often wavers, and 
may even sin grievously in an unguarded moment 
when the power of temptation is very strong, yet, 
if he be able to say to God with sincerity : " Thou 
knowest that I love Thee," which indicates a love 
for God's commandments, he will not be cast away 
from the divine presence, nor deprived of the comfort 
of the Holy Spirit. What most concerns the great 
Searcher of hearts, is the heart itself; and there- 
fore whoever loveth much, whose heart is all given 
to Christ, much is forgiven. Thus David, though 
guilty of some of the most inexcusable transgres- 
sions, was accepted of God because at all times he 
could say in truth, " with my whole heart have I 
sought Thee ; let me not wander from Thy com- 



LOVE TRUTHS FROM THE BIBLE. 155 

mandments." "Thy word have I hid in mine 
heart, that I might not sin against Thee." 

Brethren, do any of you ever doubt your effectual 
calling? If so_, let each ask himself this most im- 
portant question. Do I delight in, do I love, do I 
cherish all the commandments of God ? Then if 
the unmistakable response be given, "Yes, with 
all my heart, mind, soul and strength," be not 
discouraged ; for your doubt is not occasioned by 
the absence of the Spirit; the great Shepherd ot 
the flock is still watching over your welfare ; and 
rest assured He will never leave you nor forsake you, 
that in tempest and in sunshine, in life and in death, 
nothing will be able to separate you from His 
presence. 

Secondly, the conclusion at which St. Paul ar- 
rives from a full consideration of his condition, 
was — that the sin he committed, would not be laid 
to his account ; for his language is, "If I do that I 
would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that 
dwelleth in me." Mark you, however, my friends, 
the unconverted man has nothing to do with this 
conclusion. It does not justify him in his sins ; 
it affords him no hope of safety ; for he has not 
accepted the terms of salvation ; he does not do 
what lie would not, but what lie would, and the 
wrath of God abideth on him. So then, no use is 
to be made of the Apostle's declaration for the 
encouragement of sin. The effect of such presump- 
tion would only be to increase the condemnation of 
the soul, and destroy the hope of heaven. But 
what to the sinner is a. savor of death unto death, 
to the Christian is a savor of life unto lire; and 
in fact, owing to the impossibility of making the 



156 LOVE TRUTHS FROM THE BIBLE. 

inner and outer life perfectly conformable to the 
will of God, some assurance is actually needed, not 
of divine approbation, but divine pardon of sin, in 
order that the child of God may not be over- 
whelmed by despair. This assurance is afforded, 
and in no place so much as in this recital of St. 
Paul's experience. 

What comfort, what encouragement, what strength 
is in the truth that the believer has nothing to fear 
from the past, present or future, whose record of 
sin the great and merciful God, rather the gracious 
and loving Father has blotted out from remem- 
brance, and who at last in the presence of all an- 
gels and men, will acknowledge every faithful dis- 
ciple as an heir and joint heir with Christ. But 
my friends, let it never, never be forgotten that 
only he who is earnestly and persistently striving 
to master self, to subdue the inclinations of his cor- 
rupt nature by a constant reliance upon divine 
strength and aid, is admitted into the number of 
the glorious redeemed ; blameless because he has 
accepted Christ, and pure because to him the Spirit 
is sent to sanctify and seal unto the day of redemp- 
tion. 

In full reliance upon the great atonement St. 
Paul rejoiced in the testimouy of a clear conscience ; 
but to him it was a continual source of regret, that 
he should be compelled to struggle with sin ; not 
that he ever feared defeat, but there was something 
so repulsive in its very presence after his acceptance 
of Christ whose every thought, desire, word and 
act mirrored the perfect sinlessness of his nature 
and life, that he longed to be altogether free from 
its influence. Accordingly, he exclaimed in verse 



LOVE TRUTHS FROM THE BIBLE. 157 

24th, " wretched man that I am ! who shall de- 
liver me from the body of this death?" a figure 
drawn from the practice of lashing dead bodies to 
captives taken in war, and which strikingly reveals 
the apostle's detestation of sin. The answer imme- 
diately comes, " I thank God through Jesus Christ 
our Lord." The phrase is elliptical, but the mean- 
ing is plain : the author of pardon is the author of 
perfect redemption, of sanctification. Jesus was 
his all in all, and the last clause of the verse indi- 
cates a spirit of resignation to his condition : for 
he knew full well that the time would soon come, 
when the earthly house of his tabernacle would be 
dissolved, and that then he would have a building 
of* God, a house not made with hands eternal in 
the heavens,, that he would soon be able to say, as 
did Luther many years afterwards on his death-bed, 
"Thank God! tempted no more." 

Brethren, with earnest prayer to God for His 
help, let us do our utmost in the conflict with sin ; 
let us fight the good fight of faith, and never 
despair, but patiently endure, knowing that now 
we are blameless through the precious blood of 
Christ, and that in the world to come we shall be 
perfectly pure in the atmosphere of His love. 
Among the last words of the grand old apostle 
were, " I have fought a good fight ; I have finished 
my course ; I have kept the faith : henceforth there 
is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which 
the Lord, the righteous Judge, shall give me at 
that day." God grant that they may also he ours I 



158 LOVE TRUTHS FROM THE BIBLE. 



JEPHTHAH'S DAUGHTER. 

" And she said unto him, my father, if thou hast opened thy 
mouth unto the Lord, do to me according to that which hath 
proceeded out of thy mouth ; forasmuch as the Lord hath 
taken vengence for thee of thine enemies, even of the children 
of Amnion." — Judges, xi : 36. 

The narrative of Jephthah's Daughter contained 
in the 11th chapter of Judges, has given rise to 
much controversy and difference of opinion. The 
majority of commentators have advocated the view — 
that the maiden was only kept in seclusion by her 
father, and in that way consecrated to the Lord ; 
hut in opposition to this — there have not been want- 
ing distinguished thinkers who have maintained — 
that Jephthah offered up his daughter to the Lord 
in actual sacrifice upon the altar. The following 
statement is made by a modern writer, deserving 
of consideration: " That the daughter of Jeph- 
thah was really offered up to God in sacrifice — 
slain by the hand of her father and then burnt — is 
a horrible conclusion, but one which it seems im- 
possible to avoid." 

Arguments may be adduced in support of either 
opinion, and the original text is capable of either 
interpretation ; but it seems to us that the extreme 
view is correct ; and the record of the period being 
one of cruelty and bloodshed, goes far toward its 
confirmation. Here in our own enlightened coun- 
try- -but a short time ago, a child was put to death by 
its father (a religious fanatic,) who supposed that 
he was doing the will of God : and is it therefore 



LOVE TRUTHS FROM THE BIBLE. 159 

strange that — in the age of Jephthah — a father 
should act in like manner, especially when human 
sacrifices were so common among the heathen, the 
influence of whose example upon the Israelites is 
so often denounced by the sacred authors ? the 
fact— that St. Paul makes reference to Jephthah's 
faith -is no argument in refutation ; for deficiency 
as to one quality of disposition is frequently accom- 
panied by excellence as to others, and this is the 
case with many of the characters of the Bible. 
Whichever view is taken, however, the lesson of 
obedience, of submission^ of resignation, to be 
drawn from the narrative, is the same. 

Exiled from his father's house, deprived of his 
inheritance, and bearing the shame of a dishonora- 
ble birth, Jephthah led a daring life with the " vain 
men who went out with him. Robbery and pil- 
lage ' ' were doubtless the occupation of the band 
he commanded, and it was thus he established a 
reputation, not for high courage displayed in noble 
conflict as in defense of freedom, but for that reck- 
less hardihood devoted to conquest and destruction. 
Recorded in history, inscribed upon monuments, 
celebrated in song, how many names there are, 
whose success and renown have only been acquired 
by the homes they made desolate and the lives they 
sacrificed in forcing their way to power and posses- 
sions ! The world is faithful to cherish the mem- 
ories of its distinguished men ; and it is peculiar 
but true- that moral and spiritual excellence does 
not command an equal consideration from those, to 
whom it should he a subject of care. 

When the children of Amnion made war against 
Israel, the elders of Gilcad desired Jephthah to re- 



160 LOVE TRUTHS FROM THE BIBLE. 

turn, and be commander of their army. He did 
not fail to remind them of the former treatment re- 
ceived at their hands ; saying, " Did not ye hate me, 
and expel me out of my father's house? and why 
are ye come unto me now when ye are in distress ? " 
and knowing his position of advantage, he only 
consented to return upon the condition that, if suc- 
cessful, he should continue to be their ruler. " And 
Jephthah vowed a vow unto the Lord, and said, if 
Thou shalt without fail deliver the children of Am- 
nion into mine hands, then it shall be, that whatso- 
ever cometh forth of the doors of ray house to meet 
me, when I return in peace from the children of 
Ammon, shall surely be the Lord's, and I will offer 
it up for a burnt offering." 

It is just as true that fortune is the architect of 
man, as that man is the architect of fortune. Times 
and occasions make men, that is, thej reveal and 
develop the base or noble tendencies of character. 
Napoleon was the offspring of a people careless of 
freedom, because long accustomed to tyranny ; while 
Washington was none the less so of a nation, 
pledged to liberty or death. Catiline was the child 
of Rome in her hour of luxury and vice ; while 
Demosthenes was none the less so of Greece in the 
hour when the purity of her institutions and the 
liberties of her people were endangered by an ambi- 
tious King. Judas Iscariot embodied the degraded 
spirit of his age, when he sold his master for money ; 
while St. Paul — who counted " all things but loss 
for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ," 
only gave expression to the holy zeal which early 
fired the Christian heart. 



LOVE TRUTHS FROM THE BIBLE. 161 

Now to the Hebrews the times of the Judges 
were times of peril and suffering. From the fact, 
that they had to a certain extent been dispossessed 
of their land by the Israelites, and that they regarded 
the chosen people with a deadly hatred engendered 
by a radical difference in religion, the surrounding 
nations were a constant source of danger and dis- 
quietude. They were always endeavoring to regain 
what they had lost, and if possible, to destroy a na- 
tion — the belief in whose Grod required the denial 
of their deities. Accordingly, it was a time when 
a spirit of patriotism — a love of home and zeal for 
the true God developed nobility of soul ; a time 
when unselfishness and self-sacrifice brought their 
possessors prominently into view, made them a 
blessing to their generation, and gave their record 
to history for the encouragement and elevation of 
those to follow ; a time when heroes and heroines 
lived, among whom there was none more attractive 
than Jephthah's daughter. 

Jephthah put to flight the children of Ammon, 
and was now the acknowledged head of the people 
of Gilead. Soon after the battle his daughter had 
doubtless heard of his success. In all likelihood 
he had immediately sent her the glad tidings of his 
victory ; for she was his only child, and perhaps the 
only being in the world whom he loved. As the 
days came and went during the interval before his 
return home, her heart was joyous with anticipa- 
tions of the happy meeting : and in proportion as 
he had been dishonored and rejected by his country- 
men, so was her pleasure in the knowledge of his 
now exalted position and extended influence. No 
more an exile ; no more a fugitive with her father 
8* 



162 LOVE TRUTHS FROM THE BIBLE. 

from their own ; she would now command a respect 
and consideration not hitherto enjoyed ; she would 
now receive an homage due to the daughter of one 
who had saved his people : and if in her girlish 
imagination there were pictures of princely display 
and magnificence, she was not to be condemned ; 
for evil is to those who evil think, and the most re- 
splendent surroundings are perfectly in keeping 
with humility of spirit, whose reward is the king- 
dom -of heaven. 

At last the triumphant procession appeared in 
the distance, headed by the victorious Jephthah, 
whose mighty valor had not only won for him the 
distinction of saving his country, but'had also re- 
deemed him from a condition of shame. His 
daughter lost no time in going forth to meet him, 
followed by her damsels with music of timbrel and 
merriment of dance. It was not a woman of the 
world, as Cleopatra, endeavoring by her seductive 
arts to subdue an ambitious conqeror, but a modest 
maiden, aglow with filial pride and love, advanc- 
ing to greet her father whom God had preserved 
from danger and crowned with success She thought 
no more of regal honors, no more of self, and the 
dream pictures faded from the canvas of imagina- 
tion. She was conscious of but one thought, 
namely, that her father was safe and almost in 
reach of her caress. He would soon clasp her to 
his bosom, and her weary watching and waiting 
would yield to the joy of his presence. 

They met ; but not as those who think to sepa- 
rate no more ; not as those whose earthly joy is 
complete ; for the shadow which rested upon the 
countenance of the father since he first beheld his 



LOVE TRUTHS FROM THE BIBLE. 163 

daughter coming to meet him, now saddened the 
countenance of the maiden. Did any foreboding 
of his intention creep into her mind? Was she 
strengthened to meet the shock by a kindly intima- 
tion from an unseen source ? Perhaps in that mo- 
ment divine mercy partly revealed to her what was 
to follow, that she might not be overwhelmed by 
the sudden revelation of the whole truth. Yet, as 
she heard the utterance of her father, which instead 
of a rapturous salutation, was the knell of a fearful 
death, her very soul must have grown sick with 
horror, and for the instant a cold tremor must have 
chilled the blood in her veins. "Alas, my daugh- 
ter ! thou hast brought me very low, and thou art 
one of them that trouble me : for I have opened my 
mouth unto the Lord, and I cannot go back." 

Oh ! cruel thoughtlessness of man, to which so 
much lovely innocence is sacrificed ! not more so in 
the case of Herod's oath, than in that of Jephthah, 
who rashly made his vow regardless of how pre- 
cious might be the offering which its fulfilment 
might demand. Why did he not know, that his 
only child would count his very steps on the home- 
ward way? Why did he not know, that her heart 
was with him in his absence and that her eyes would 
early catch the sight of his advancing host ? Why 
did he not know, that she would be the first to wel- 
come his return? Strange perverseness, to forget 
in the hour of ambitious hopes the dearest object of 
affection ! God said ol Israel, iC my peopledoth not 
consider. " The same fault in Jephthah stained 
his hands with his own daughter's blood ; it extin- 
guished the single bright star in his household sky, 



164 LOVE TRUTHS FROM THE BIBLE. 

and darkened the remainder of his life with a sor- 
row language may not tell. 

What did the daughter do in this hour of trial, 
brought upon her by him who should have been her 
shield from care ? Did she violently protest against 
her father's purpose? or endeavor by flight to es- 
cape its consummation ? If the answer were in the 
affirmative, it would not be contrary to duty and 
reason ; for a sense of justice and the precepts of 
revelation concur in teaching, that an individual 
may rightfully guard his or her life under all cir- 
cumstances, excepting when forfeited by the com- 
mission of crime. Cross-bearing is indeed com- 
mendable, because in that case the necessity for 
suffering arises from the constitution of things, and 
is in accordance with the Divine will ; but inno- 
cence is under no obligation to suffer, when the 
necessity is occasioned by the whim of man. Never- 
theless, self-sacrifice under such a provocation, may 
be a most beautiful exhibition of the Cross, if, not 
the cause of suffering, but the spirit with which it 
is endured, be taken into consideration. 

In point of fact, not the feeblest remonstrance 
came from the lips of the maiden. That she was 
terribly shocked by the hideous enormity of her 
sentence, was true ; but even a degree of weakness, 
which would not be unmanly in earth's mightiest 
warrior, did not appear. We marvel at the moral 
grandeur of her answer, and search in vain to find 
its equal in secular history. What Coriolanus said 
to his mother, " Thou hast saved Rome, but lost 
thy son," was certainly sublime; but that was 
forced from him by entreaty, and does not approach 
in sublimity the reply of Jephthah's daughter ; 



LOVE TRUTHS FROM THE BIBLE. 165 

u My father, if thou hast opened thy mouth unto 
the Lord, do to me according to that which hath 
proceeded out of thy mouth : forasmuch as the 
Lord hath taken vengeance for thee of thine ene- 
mies, even of the children of Araraon." Truth is 
here found more wonderful than fiction. Reality 
here needs no adorning by imagination. 

How perfect the obedience which is indicated by 
the above recorded words ! It was the result, not 
of sudden impulse, but of long established princi- 
ple, of a life accustomed to self-denial. The parent's 
wish had been a rule of thought and action for his 
daughter from her childhood. She had constantly 
endeavored to resign herself entirely to his direc- 
tion. She had determined to obey at whatever cost 
it was required. And now, when she learned that 
a sacrifice was to be made, she did not ask as did 
Isaac ; " where is the Lamb for a burnt offering?" 
but was ready to give her own life, if the vow made 
this demand. Submission, such as this, was to an 
earthly father, what Christ's "Not mine, but thy 
will be done," was to the father in heaven: not 
tlv slavish surrender of all individuality : that 
would have been deserving of no commendation : 
it was conscientious obedience to a higher power, a 
submitting to the guidance of a judgment regarded 
as superior to one's own. 

The reason for the maiden's ready submission to 
the will of her father, as given in her own lan- 
guage, was, u the Lord hath taken vengeance for 
thee of thine enemies." The translation is, if thine 
be joy, mine may be suffering. The civilization, 
refinement and Christianity of the present age can 
cite no example superior to this. It was of this 



166 LOVE TRUTHS FROM THE BIBLE. 

unselfishness of soul that St. Paul wrote ; " Love 
suffereth long and is kind:" " Beareth all things, 
believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth 
all things." Such purity and depth of devotion 
as shown in Jephthah's daughter, did honor to 
human nature and foreshadowed the fulfilment of 
the law. It is difficult to understand, why Jephthah 
did not make ao offering of himself, rather than 
stop the beating of a heart whose only desire was 
to minister to his pleasure. But his apparent, want 
of feeling heightens the loveliness of her affection, 
and twines about her memory a brighter wreath of 
unfading flowers. 

She made but one request, namely, for time to 
mourn that she could not be the possible ancestress 
of Messiah, a hope inexpressibly dear to every 
daughter of Israel. Thus was shown her faith in 
the promise of God, that Shiloh would come ; and 
accordingly, as love for her earthly father was 
the motive to her sacrifice, so love for her heavenly 
father strengthened her to meet the trial. "And 
it came to pass at the end of two months, that she 
returned unto her father, who did with her accord- 
ing to his vow." We are then told, that the daugh- 
ters of Israel were accustomed to go yearly to lament 
the daughter of Jephthah four days in a year. They 
delighted to pay their homage at a tomb so hallowed 
by self-denial, whose martyr was not a strong man, 
who fell upon a field of battle in the endeavor to 
destroy his fellow-men, but a gentle girl, who 
sought death for the sake of another in reliance 
upon God. 

Deeds may be more expressive than language, 
and with more force and clearness the lofty, or de- 



LOVE TRUTHS FROM THE BIBLE. 167 

graded spirit may reveal itself in action. Job 
desired that his record should be inscribed upon 
the rock with a pen of iron, that future genera- 
tions might know and respect his integrity of char- 
acter ; but there was no need of this in the case of 
Jephthah's daughter. We enjoy not the privi- 
lege to yearly visit her tomb, like the daughters of 
Israel : nor do we even know the place where her 
ashes were laid : but her conduct is honored, her 
worth is acknowledged, her memory is treasured ; 
and what is of most importance, we are taught the 
useful lesson of endurance and submission. It is 
characteristic of the Bible — to so engage our inte- 
rest while conveying instruction, that its teachings 
are impressed upon the attention ; and this is espe- 
cially true of the few verses, relating the circum- 
stances under consideration. 

It is indeed a pleasure to linger in contemplation 
of a character so lovely as Jephthah's daughter. 
We read her story with ever increasing interest: 
for as the mind apprehends the truth, the heart 
glows with that enthusiasm inspired by the por- 
trayal of noble deeds. We advance from stage to 
stage toward the climax of the tragedy with mingled 
feelings of regret and admiration : regret, because 
the blight of a cursed death fell so early upon a 
beautiful life, and admiration, because the heroism 
displayed was equal to the occasion. Her passing 
away was a great loss to friends and all others who 
came within the circle of her personal influence ; 
but regarded in another point of view, it was gain 
to humanity; for her example is testimony to the 
Cross; and forever enshrined in our memories and 
hearts, she marks for us the way from the Cross to 



168 LOVE TRUTHS FROM THE BIBLE. 

the Crown. Her place now is doubtless among 
those nearest the throne, who have been disciplined 
by the tempter's snares to be meet for the master's 
use, who have been wearied by the sorrows of earth 
to be enraptured by the joys of heaven. 



LOVE TRUTHS FROM THE BIBLE. 169 



RUTH. 

"Orpah kissed her mother-law; but Ruth clave unto her." 
Ruth, i : 14. 

That history is a mere narration of facts — is by 
no means the whole truth ; and as is often the case, 
the half truth leads to injurious results. Accord- 
ing to the above definition history is gossip on a 
large scale, for the entertainment of those who 
regard the disclosures of the village tattler, as re- 
stricted to too small an area, and concerned with 
persons of too little significence, to be deserving of 
attention. There is no underrating the value of a 
full acquaintance with the actions, the events and 
effects, presented by the past ; but it is far more 
important to seek the discovery of the motives to 
actions, of the connections of events, and of the 
causes of effects : for this study, while imparting 
the highest species of knowledge, is a means of 
education to the intellectual, the moral and spirit- 
ual in man. The world is most in need, not of 
encyclopedias which thousand of libraries may fur- 
nish, but of intelligent, practical men : and no 
study is so well adapted, as history, to supply this 
want. 

If what has been said be true, the historian is 
under no special obligation to give biographies of 
kings and queens. A knowledge of the immorali- 
ties, intrigues and tyrannies of royal families, is of 
no more benefit to the public, than like revelations 
of those less known to fame. Not only so, but in 



170 LOVE TRUTHS FROM THE BIBLE. 

any case, even for example, when a pure character, 
as Alfred or Victoria, occupies the throne, the con- 
stant confining of the attention to one class of in- 
dividuals does not present that broad view into 
human nature, needful in shunning evil and pur- 
suing the good ; does not beget the liberal spirit 
which acknowledges the brotherhood of man ; does 
not afford the enlightenment and discipline suited to 
the powers and capacities of the mind. The man- 
ners and customs of a nation, their ruling virtues and 
prevailing vices, their habits of life, and general 
condition as to the appreciation and observance of 
their duties to themselves, to others, and to God, 
are the subjects most worthy of the historian, and 
of most profit to his readers. 

Despotism can find no place in a land, whose 
homes are blessed with intelligence and religion ; 
while freedom cannot exist, where ignorance and 
idolatry prevail : and thus it is true — that as the 
home, so is the state. The germs implanted in 
the nursery and at the fireside, but into weal and 
woe in a country destiny, and the character of its 
families determines a nation's condition. Appre- 
ciating this fact, the sacred authors have given us 
narratives of a private domestic nature, in which 
nothing is said of the misconduct of kings, nothing 
of the deceits of statesmen, nothing of the chi- 
canery of political combinations, nothing of the 
sacrifice of human lives at the shrine of ambition, 
nothing of the oppression of the many for the grati- 
fication of the few ; and their great value consists in 
shedding light upon the inner life of the Jewish 
people, in disclosing the influences which deter- 



LOVE TRUTHS FROM THE BIBLE. 171 

mined the national character, in making known the 
causes of the nation's failures and triumphs. 

The position of the book of Ruth in the canon, 
has never been called in question ; though the date 
of its production is unknown, and its authorship is 
a matter of conjecture. It is really an introduction 
to the historical books, inasmuch as it gives the an- 
cestry of David ; and for the same reason (as 
Messiah was of the house of David) it may be re- 
garded as a connecting link between the Old and 
New Testaments. No mention is made of war or any 
form of violence, and there is no allusion to the dis- 
turbing affairs of public life ; so that our concep- 
tions of the excesses of the age, derived from the 
account of the Judges and the record of the Kings, 
are much relieved by its quiet pages, and we turn 
to the book of Ruth as to a place for rest and medi- 
tation. Ruth, gleaning in the fields and taking 
home her gatherings to Naomi in the evening, pre- 
sents a contrast to the troubled lives of her descen- 
deuts on the Jewish throne, which cannot fail to be 
impressive, as suggestive of the changes brought by 
change of fortune. Far better to remain in humble 
station, commanding the Tove and respect of the 
few ; if wealth and position are to bring oppositions 
to our fellow-men and greater sins against God. 

Now true poetry is beauty, not the beauty which 
is seen and temporal, but that which is unseen and 
eternal ; the beauty of noble action, of elevated 
thought, of pure sentiment. Accordingly, mere 
rhyme or verse is Incidental : it may or may not be 
present; and the fact is, there is more unwritten 
poetry and a greater number of poems in prose lan- 
guage, than have ever been produced by those enjoy- 



172 LOVE TRUTHS FROM THE BIBLE. 

ing the reputation of poets. There is a higher charm 
than harmony of expression : there is an attractive- 
ness of which none of the senses can take knowl- 
edge. It lies in worth of spirit and meaning, of 
character and aim ; to he sought below the surface, 
where the pearls are found which only the soul can 
discover and value. 

This charm, this attractiveness distinguishes the 
book of Ruth. It appears in the writer, who tells 
his story without any attempt at embellishment by 
fancy, a temptation seldom resisted by the profane 
historian. It is seen in Naomi, who did not forget 
her God and country in a foreign land. It is ob- 
served in Boaz, whose honorable deportment toward 
his kinswoman should put to shame many modern 
representatives of domestic economy. And lastly, 
it shines in Ruth, to whom idols and kindred and 
native land were not as dear as the mother of her 
dead love, and Jehovah whom he had led her to 
reverence and obey. Character so engaging excite 
all the more interest, as existing in the rude war- 
like times of the Judges, when might made right, 
and brute force did not shrink from the destruction 
of innocence and virtue. 

It may be said therefore, that the book of Ruth 
is a poem, in the reading of which the mind is not 
concerned to know whether the rules as regarding 
long and short syllables have been observed ; in 
which the cadence and versification demanded by 
art, are wanting: but this deficiency is more than 
supplied by the beautiful simplicity, the loving 
tenderness and devotional character of the narra- 
tive. It is not a grand epic from the cultured 
imagination, often wearisome from the uniting of 



LOVE TRUTHS FROM THE BIBLE. 173 

feebleness of execution with greatness of under- 
taking ; but a simple drama in real life, authen- 
ticated by inspiration, hallowed by the lapse of 
ages, and endeared to all by the spirit of home, 
sweet home, that gives to the composition its pecu- 
liar interest to the kind hearted and true. 

The subject and language, the conception and 
development seem the* products of nature ; that is, 
are without an appearance at effort, as if sponta- 
neous in their origin. They come to us, not as 
though to plead for attention, but as a rich melody 
to take possession of the heart, as an entrancing 
landscape to which nothing can be added or taken 
away ; so that criticism is silent, and when the book 
is closed, the feeling that remains, is one of faith 
and peace. The Bible contains many examples of 
this peculiar style of composition ; and the only 
explanation is found in the fact, that " holy men of 
God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost." 

The territory of Moab was at first of considerable 
extent ; it was much reduced, however, by the 
Amorites, who crossed the Jordan, subdued the 
land, and were still celebrating their triumph with 
Sihon their conquering king reigning in Heshbon, 
when the Israelites came from Egypt. Much of the 
rich, elevated country east of the Dead Sea, was 
thus lost to the Moabites, and they were compelled 
to take refuge south of the Anion. The change 
was really an advantage ; for the kingdom was now 
more secure, so that the people were able to resist 
invasion ; and being settled in their habits, and of 
a peaceful disposition, they devoted themselves to 
their occupation as shepherds. Accordingly, the 
Moabites became very numerous, to a certain degree 



174 LOVE TRUTHS FROM THE BIBLE. 

civilized, and accumulated much wealth, as is evi- 
dent from the enormous tribute paid to the Ten 
Tribes. 

Here, by the green bank of some murmuring 
stream, on the sunny side of some vine-covered hill, 
or in the quiet recess of some lovely valley, as fancy 
may suggest, was the home of Ruth. We are not 
told whether it was a home of plenty or need. For- 
tune may have strewn her pathway with all that 
makes life agreeable and attractive ; the privileges 
and comforts of riches may have been her's to enjoy ; 
while on the other hand, it may have been, she 
experienced the hardships of want, compelled to 
glean in the fields, as was afterwards the case in 
Judea. In those early times, however, the presence 
or absence of wealth had little effect upon one's 
standing in the community. This was especially 
true in Israel, where the Mosaic law tended to fra- 
ternize the people ; and even in other countries the 
same spirit generally prevailed, except in regard to 
freemen and slaves. 

Nothing can be affirmed positively about the 
associations of the maiden's early life, excepting 
that her parents must have been of good moral 
worth; and though worshippers of Chemosh, were 
perhaps not altogether strangers to the claims of 
Jehovah. It is not possible that they were igno- 
rant of their ancestors' escape from the destruc- 
tion wjiich overwhelmed the cities of the plane. 
The knowledge of so miraculous an event was pre- 
served by tradition; and this fact, together with 
the proximity of a nation who served the true God, 
may have blended much truth with their idolatry. 
At all events, their daughter's marriage with an 



LOVE TRUTHS FROM THE BIBLE. 175 

^sraelite, and subsequently the resolute determina- 
tion to cast her lot with the people of God, are 
effects, for which a sufficient cause is not found in 
the circumstances of the time. 

The instructive, solemnizing influences of the sur- 
rounding mountains and of the Dead Sea, had 
doubtless a share in the formation of Ruth's charac- 
ter. They must have made her thoughtful and 
earnest, if not with perfect conceptions of duty at 
least with some impressions of the responsibilities 
of life; if not with genuine convictions of religion, 
at least with some knowledge of her obligations to 
a supreme being. It is thus that the finest habits 
of thought and the noblest qualities of disposition 
are acquired independently of books, of home-train- 
ing, of social relations, and of prescribed formulas 
in Ethics and Theology. An inward illumination 
and a capacity to profit by the teachings of nature, 
have been special gifts to many in heathen dark- 
ness ; as if it were determined that divine manifes- 
tations should not be confined to those blest with 
revelation. Accordingly, the prayer of Milton for 
celestial light to shine inward, and the mind, 
through all her powers irradiate, lias often been 
answered, where the petition has been one to the 
unknown God. 

So Ruth grew to womanhood ; not with the symme- 
try of nature and life which a systematic education 
in what is true and good would effect ; not witli the 
high endeavor and the patient spirit which a prac- 
tical acquaintance with religion would secure ; but 
with tendencies to progress (infrequent in more 
favorable surroundings, and needing only an oeca- 
sion for development into forms of loveliness. This 



17(1 LOVE TRUTHS FROM THE BIBLE. 

occasion was in a measure supplied by her marriage 
with Mahlon, who with his parents and brother 
went to Moab to escape the famine in Canaan. Ten 
years of wedded life with one of God's people, did 
not fail to improve her spiritual condition ; for often 
she must have been impressed with the truth, that 
the great Jehovah was a covenanting God, whose 
promise was not only to Abraham, but also to his 
household, and to his seed after him. 

The death angel's visit decided the destiny of the 
Moabitess forever. He who had won her heart, who 
had given a meaning to her life, who had directed 
her thoughts heavenward, died, but with faith in 
the coming Messiah ; so that with disturbing sor- 
row, came peaceful hope, whose theme was of a day 
when the divided should meet again in the ecstacy 
of immortality. Hence there was grief, but not 
the anguish of despair; for she realized that " The 
Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away," and that 
the whole duty of man is to "Fear God and to 
keep His commandments." Suffering is a teacher 
whose lessons are hard to learn ; the soul labor 
required is beyond estimate ; yet when once learned, 
they are seldom forgot, and are of far more service 
than all the science and philosophy the world has 
ever known. 

Now, after the loss of her husband and two sons, 
Naomi resolved to return to her native land : " For 
she had heard in the country of Moab how that the 
Lord had visited his people in giving them bread. 
Wherefore she went forth out of the place where 
she was, and her two daughters-in-law with her ; 
and they went on the way to return unto the land 
of Judah." When they had proceeded some dis- 



LOVE TRUTHS FROM THE BIBLE. J 77 

tance, Orpah yielded to persuasion and " kissed her 
mother-in-law, but Ruth clave unto her." Naomi 
said, behold, thy sister-in-law is gone back unto her 
people and her gods ; return thou after thy sister- 
in-law. Then came from the lips of Ruth that 
declaration which for touching eloquence and beauty, 
for intensity of love and devotion, has never been 
excelled: "entreat me not to leave thee, or to re- 
turn from following after thee: for whither thou 
goest, I will go ; and where thou lodgest, I will 
lodge : thy people shall be my people, and thy God 
my God : Where thou diest will I die, and there 
will I be buried ; the Lord do so to me, and more 
also, if aught but death part thee and me." 

This was the important epoch in the life of Ruth ; 
the time when she was weighed in the balance, and 
happily for her, not found wanting. She was 
brave and resolute and strong enough to give up 
all things for God, even the example of her sister 
being without effect upon her choice of the right. 
For years it had been evident how the battle would 
go. Step after step had been taken, and now the 
summit of victory was reached. A heroine she 
proved to be in the hour of the greatest trial ; and 
nothing can be said against her conduct toward 
Boaz ; for it was in perfect keeping with the usages 
of the times, and reflected only credit upon all 
concerned. 

And now, ci U posthumous fame be of any worth, 
who would not be Ruth, in the memory and admi- 
ration of the world, rather than Orpah ;- Ruth, 
parent of Israel's sweetest singer and most illus- 
trious king; — Ruth, parent of the Messiah ; Ruth, 
whose simple story sinks in sweetness into millions 
9 



178 LOVE TRUTHS FROM THE BIBLE. 

of hearts in every age, and moves to deeds of gen- 
tle virtue and religion ; — Ruth, rather than Orpah, 
whose only history is, that she went back unto her 
people and her gods? " 

"I cannot promise you, that making the choice 
of Ruth, you shall receive an equal share with her 
of this world's renown ; but I can promise that you 
shall receive a portion of everlasting good, of which 
her reward on earth is but a feeble type. Hear the 
words of the blessed Saviour, and let them stimu- 
late you to every sacrifice necessarv in his glorious 
service, — hear the words of Him who was the truth 
itself, and in whom all the promises of God are 
Yea and Amen: Verily I say unto you, there is no 
man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or 
father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, 
for my sake, and the gospel's, but he shall receive a 
hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, 
and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, 
with persecutions, and in the world to come, eter- 
nal life." 



LOVE TRUTHS FROM THE BIBLE. 179 



NO SEA IN HEAVEN. 
" There was no more Sea."' — Revelation, xxi : 1. 

Have you ever stood by the sea? have you ever 
had the sense of being lost in the contemplation of 
its wonders? have you ever seen, and heard, and 
realized what it has to reveal? if so, you have been 
admitted to one of the grandest privileges known 
to the lovers of nature. It seems impossible that 
even the careless should pass by the sea uninflu- 
enced : there is so much to engage the attention ; 
so much to compel interest ; a very spell, a fascina- 
tion in its presence. To the thoughtful it is most 
impressive ; unfolding to consciousness mysteries of 
thought and sentiment that banish the common 
things of life ; that produce an experience beyond 
language to define ; that give, as it were, a new 
being, with other motives, other powers, other 
ambitions. These impressions come again when 
the sea is far away, as we fancy that the night 
heavens of the Orient recur to the traveller, who 
has once enjoyed their sublime magnificence ; as 
the splendors of royalty haunt the mind of an 
exiled Napoleon ; as the awful meeting of con- 
tending armies is recalled by the old veteran, when 
the war has long been over, and lie is resting with 
his little ones about him in his peaceful home. 

The sky, the forests, the mountains, all have 
attraetions peculiar to themselves ; and so has the 
sea. Behold the giant waves, crimsoned with sun- 
beams ! or silvered by the li^lit of tin* moon I how 



180 LOVE TRUTHS FROM THE BIBLE. 

majestically they rise and fall ! Now raging under 
the lash of the storm demon, now moving in calm 
with long measured roll, they seem impatient of 
restraint, as if possessed by a spirit of life ; as if 
some mighty force were rocking the cradle of the 
deep. Hear the rush of waters, the waves strug- 
gling and dying on the sands, the deep thunder of 
the breakers on the shore ! and strangely with the 
deafening tumult mingle the wild shriek of the sea- 
gull and the soft note of the curlew. For miles 
inland upon the hush of night comes the monotone 
of the ocean. It is as the sound of a distant, 
heavy-rolling train. It is an unbroken anthem of 
praise to the great Creator. The beach is strewn 
with shells of every size, and shape, and color. 
Have you never kneeled upon the hard, white sand 
to gather these bright offerings washed up by the 
surf? and when a larger one was found, have lis- 
tened with a child's delight to the whisper of some 
far off sea, laving the shores of some distant isle, 
or continent? These shells are nature's beautiful 
playthings, adorning the frame-work, in which she 
has placed the master-piece of her art. What a 
setting! what a picture ! commanding the admira- 
tion not only of earth, for the hosts of heaven 
delight to mirror themselves in the boundless, blue 
expanse. 

Amid this variety of sight and sound imagina- 
tion cannot be restrained ; we therefore go abroad 
upon the wide, desert waste, where footprints are 
never left ; where in every direction sky and water 
bound the horizon ; where the elements, regardless 
of human gain or loss, madly contend for mastery. 
We are driven by terrible gales, and move gently 



LOVE TRUTHS FROM THE BIBLE. 181 

before mild zephyrs. We visit Arctic continents, 
where man can scarcely exist, where eternal ice and 
snow tolerate few things of life ; and we stop at 
tropic isles, where the air is laden with the odor of 
spice and the perfume of flowers, where birds have 
the richest plumage, and ever lingering summer is 
lavish with luxuriant fruit. We pass by danger- 
ous cliffs, where the waters dash fiercely against 
hidden rocks, where many a strong bark has met 
its doom ; and we draw near river, and bay in- 
dented coasts, where fertile soil and pleasant climate 
invite habitation and commerce. We behold the 
kingdoms and empires which line the shores of the 
great sea. Here, where civilization and Christianity 
make men free. Here, where ignorance and idola- 
try make men slaves. Here, where avarice and 
ambition make men to forget that they are one 
father's children. And we cannot but call to mind 
Assyria, G-reece, Rome, and all those mighty nations 
where wealth, dominion and a brilliant culture 
were once known, but have long since passed away. 
Nay more, we descend into the deep, the dark, 
the unknown, the mysterious abyss dividing conti- 
nents, the old, from the new world, monarchies 
whose days are numbered, from our own glorious 
republic destined to exert the most powerful influ- 
ence in giving freedom and the religion of Christ 
to all mankind. Here we discover countless wrecks 
of human hopes and fortunes, gems and treasures 
of priceless value, myriad forma of animal, vegeta- 
ble and mineral production, mountains, planes, 
valleys, rocks, caves, currents, and profound depths 
reaching down we know not how near earth's cen- 
tre. Then, as with one tremendous effort, we en- 



182 LOVE TRUTHS FROM THE BIBLE. 

deavor to conceive of the length, and breadth, and 
depth, and magnitude of the ocean, we are lost; 
infinitude seems to open up before us ; and in our 
weakness we can only exclaim, sea ! Not only 
man, but thou also art wonderfully and fearfully 
made. 

It is thus evident, that the sea is not the source 
of a perfect joy. Far from it ! It has features, 
occasions and associations which are productive of 
sadness and suffering. Has it beautiful shells and 
pearls? It has also loathesome weeds and reptiles. 
Has it fairy isles and safe harbors ? It has also 
dangerous Scylla and Charybdis. Has it warm 
streams, that moderate climate and contribute to 
human comfort? It has also floating fields and 
mountains of ice, which are a terror to man. Do 
its waves appear fair and bright in the sunshine? 
When clouds gather and the wind spirit goes 
abroad, they are terrible to look upon. Is there 
majestic music in the roar of the surf? to the 
mariner whose vessel driven from its course, is 
hurrying toward the breakers, it is a knell of death. 
Does it bring to ns the treasures of India and other 
lands? alas! it sometimes bears away dear trea- 
sures of our hearts, and returns them no more. 
Hence, as we learn from our 'text, there will be no 
sea in heaven : for " God shall wipe away all tears 
from their eyes ; and there shall be no more death, 
neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be 
any more pain : for the former things are passed 
away." 

At the centres of the old civilizations there is 
much to testify to the perfection attained in art 
many centuries ago. Wonderful productions of the 



LOVE TRUTHS FROM THE BIBLE. 18 

ancient engraver, painter, sculptor and architect, 
in whole or in part, still remain ; and such as the 
catacombs at Rome, or the pyramids of Egypt will 
in all likelihood continue, until time shall be no 
more. There are the ruins of ancient cities, and 
cities now in the zenith of prosperity, renowned 
battle fields, vast libraries containing curious manu- 
scripts and archives of the past, other peoples, 
other manners, other customs, other conditions of 
society, and a thousand objects in art and nature, 
inviting study and admiration. We hear and read 
about them ; we meditate upon their attractions ; 
but the most of us do not enjoy the privilege of be- 
ing present with them, do not derive the pleasure 
and instruction of acual perception : for between 
here and there a great gulf is fixed, and from one 
cause and another, the majority of men do not cross 
the sea. 

Many, some of you perhaps, have friends or rela- 
tives in foreign lands. There are vacancies at the 
table, at the fire-side, at the family altar, in the 
church, in the counting room, in the social circle. 
The absent cannot reach home in a few hours ; they 
are far away on other shores ; the ocean rolls be- 
tween, and they can only return by being for days 
and nights upon the deep. As God said to the sea, 
so the sea says to man, " thus far shalt thou come, 
but no farther." Accordingly, lives and hearts and 
interests that should be united, are divided ; and 
thus the sea brings separation. Separation, that 
is, absence from loved ones ; therefore, dreary soli- 
tude perhaps in the midst of many ; therefore, a 
painful sense of need perhaps in the midst of abun- 
dance ; therefore, wretched discontent perhaps in 



184 LOVE TRUTHS FROM THE BIBLE. 

the midst of what would otherwise ensure happi- 
ness. 

But the distance which here on earth divides 
those near and dear to each other, making months 
of weeks and years of months, causing eager watch- 
ing and longing, keeping a sigh in the heart, in 
heaven will not prevent communion. There, mere 
space will not separate spirit from spifit. More- 
over, the selfishness which often puts men far asun- 
der, restraining the noble impulses of their natures, 
and making them regardless of the claims of those 
about them, there, will not be known. Men will 
still be themselves, but without ambitious schemes 
of their own to bring regret to a brother's experi- 
ence. The truth, that the highest pleasure is se- 
cured by ministering to the pleasure of others, will 
then be fully recognized and made the governing 
principle of life. Moreover, the misunderstandings 
which here often divide men, making foes of friends, 
wrenching apart in anger those at peace, destroying 
mutual respect and confidence and love, there, will 
not occur. All the members of Christ's body will 
then acknowledge their dependence upon one an- 
other. Then also, poverty, necessity for toil, mor- 
tality, and all such evils which here occasion so 
many partings, here cause so many farewells, here 
erect so many barriers, here divide so many united 
lives, there, will not be permittted to enter. 

Redeemed by the same precious blood, made holy 
by the same divine spirit, singing the same songs 
of praise, heirs of the same inheritance, united in 
Christ, the pure in heart will be in sweet compan- 
ionship forever. There, vows will be uttered to be 
kept. There, pledges will be given ensuring death- 



LOVE TRUTHS FROM THE BIBLE. 185 

less constancy. There, circles will be made com- 
plete, to be broken never again ; and a universal 
sunshine of undivided love will prevail throughout 
a nightless eternity. No sea in heaven ; therefore, 
no separation. 

But again. A storm is upon the deep. Wild and 
fierce and grand is the rush of the waves, hurrying 
over and under and by each other in ceaseless suc- 
cession. The vast surface is marked with heights 
and depths, ever losing themselves in eacli other 
only to appear again. The waters seethe, and 
whirl and foam, as if frenzied by the storm, as if 
under the power of volcanic influence. Now it is 
calm; yet, thougli not so tumultuous, or rapid, or 
varied as before, the waves are still in motion. 
They cannot rest Old ocean seems to have within 
it a great heart, whose throbings are seen in its 
ever heaving bosom. Then, there is the tide, with 
its continuous flood and ebb; ever coming and go- 
ing with a regularity equal to that of day and night. 
In other words, never since God gave it a place, 
has the sea been in perfect repose ; and thus it is 
suggestive of restlessness, discontent from a constant 
desire for change. 

What a forcible reminder is this of life's ocean ! 
where perfect rest is never known, either in for- 
tune's storms or calms. Whether driven before the 
ruthless blast, or sailing under sunny skies, man is 
not content. Upon the tide of events men fare 
very differently. This one seems to be making but 
little headway ; while that one is moving smoothly 
on. One is said to be & failure, the other a success : 
and T admit, that as far as mere material gain and 
loss are concerned, the difference between them may 



IStf LOVE TRUTHS FROM THE BIBLE. 

be great ; but as regards contentment, they are 
very much in the same condition. The peasant in 
his hovel desires a kingdom, and the king upon his 
throne sighs for a world. mariners on the sea of 
life, seeking rest but finding none ; make your 
reckoning with a view to eternity ; take the Bible 
as your chart ; hold your course straight for the 
Star of Bethlehem ; and in the fiercest storm, 
through the darkest night keep a brave heart, rely- 
ing upon God : and though the voyage be long, 
and wearying, and beset with difficulties and trials, 
peace will be reached at last. At last, 

" When the Pilot of Galilee seen on the strand, 
Stretches over the waters a welcoming hand. 
When heeding no longer the sea's baffled roar, 
The mariner turns to his rest evermore. 1 ' 

There will be noble strivings in heaven. The 
spirits of just men made perfect, will vie with each 
other in obedience, love and consecration to Him 
who loved them ; who washed them from their sins 
in His own precious blood ; who made them Kings 
and Priests unto God. The law of progress will 
demand ambition, increase, change : ambition to be 
holy, as God is holy ; increase in grace and know- 
ledge of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ ; and 
change by advancing in the divine image : but 
there will be no sea in heaven ; that is, no restless- 
ness, no discontent with what you are, and have. 
For earth, with all its petty cares, its fevered dreams, 
its nameless longings, its unsatisfying pleasures, 
will have passed away ; the realties of the life in 
God, will bring to the troubled heart profound calm ; 
the Prince of peace will give His own peace to the 



LOVE TRUTHS FROM THE BIBLE. 187 

weary soul, and not a wave of care will ever dis- 
turb the deep serenity of that life in the bright 
Forever. 

But again. It is a glorious pleasure — to be out 
upon the waters, with your boat dashing through 
the waves before a freshening breeze in the bright 
sunshine. It is freedom ; it is expansion ; it is 
exultation to those, who have a soul for its enjoy- 
ment, and to natures, not timid nor dull, there is 
ineffable grandeur in a storm at sea, when sky and 
water seem endeavoring to meet in fierce combat. 
But with all this, there is a consciousness of dan- 
ger ; for the sea is so broad and deep ; it has ever 
been so merciless to man and his interests ; it has 
so frequently occasioned ruin, desolation, despair ; 
it has swallowed up so many, and so much. For- 
tunes and lives go out upon the ocean : traffic and 
travel move toward every shore : yet, there is 
always a feeling of uncertainty. Those, who have 
their bread upon the waters, are fearful, least it will 
not return, even after many days : and those, who 
have loved ones upon the deep, shudder, as they 
think of what may be their awful fate. 

Accordingly, as we stand upon the shore, con- 
templating the unstable waves, listening to the 
roar of the billows, and permitting fancy to enter 
the vast chasm before us, there is an experience of 
unrest. Why -see yon vessel, with her white wings 
spread to the wind, and sweeping on like a thing 
of life I We cannot but ask ourselves the question, 
will she read) her place of destination, and take 
joy and gladness to those who wait her coming? 
or, will she go down, as thousands of others have 
gone down into the cruel, hungry foam, and leave 



188 LOVE TRUTHS FROM THE BIBLE. 

hearts to ache and break over her loss ? we do not 
know, only He, who made the sea and all that is 
therein, can tell. For the use of man, yet beyond 
his control ; adding much to pleasure, yet also 
much to sorrow ; mysterious, immeasurable, terri- 
ble, destroying, sublime, the sea is thus the occa- 
sion of fear. 

Now in human affairs the possible, more than 
the actual, is the cause of distress. Life's fabric 
takes its sombre colors, more from what may be 
than what is. In other words, fear is the main, 
disturbing element to human peace: but in heaven 
there will be nothing of this. There, doubt, un- 
certainty, danger, and threatenings of misfortune 
will have no place. We shall know, even as we are 
known ; we shall love, even as we are loved : 
and perfect knowledge and perfect love will cast 
out all fear. the trust and confidence and 
security that will be the heritage of God's children, 
when gathered home ; when folded at last in the 
Father's embrace ! No sea in heaven ; that is, no 
fear. 

But once more. War, disease and old age are 
ever mowing down the children of men ; and not far 
behind these in the work of destruction, is the sea. 
Every precaution is taken to guard against the 
dangers of the ocean. There are beacons, that 
flash their light far out upon the waters, to warn 
against rocks and shoals, and to direct the mariner 
on his course. There is the compass, to track the 
way from shore to shore. In order to resist the wind 
and waves, steamers and vessels are made heavy 
and strong. Schools are established for the train- 
ing of those, who are to have them in charge : and 



LOVE TRUTHS FROM THE BIBLE. LH9 

laws are enacted, to secure proper management, 
and to enforce the requisite discipline. Yet, not- 
withstanding all this, it is fearful to contemplate 
the vast numbers, who are continually falling vic- 
tims to the sea. By fire, by wreck, and by imperfec- 
tions of human workmanship thousands upon thous- 
and, find a watery grave. Their flesh becomes 
food for the monsters of the deep ; and their bones 
drift with the tide, or washed up by the surf, lie 
ghastly and white on the burning sands. 

The wharf is crowded with the friends of those 
about to sail lor the other continent: and, as the 
poet describes the scene at Belgium's capital on the 
night of Waterloo ; 

" There was hurrying to and fro, 
And gathering tears, and tremblings of distress, 
And cheeks all pale,"* * * * u and choking sighs;' 1 

" And there were sudden partings, such as press 
The life from out young hearts." * * * * 

Earnest wishes are expressed for a happy and pros- 
perous voyage ; hands are clasped ; lips meet, and 
long farewells are taken. The gallant ship moves 
away from her moorings, and the parting salute 
of a deep-mouthed gun booms across the water ; but, 
as its echo dies away, there comes to the heart a 
strange, wild dread. In a short time the news came, 
that the Ville du Havre had been struck by a passing 
bark in mid ocean, and that with hundreds of pre- 
cious lives, had gone down beneath the waves. We 
became acquainted with, and learned to love a noble, 
Christian man who crossed the sea in the cause of 
God ; who endeared himself to many here in Amer- 
ica ; and who on his way back to his native 



190 LOVE TRUTHS FROM: THE BIBLE. 

Switzerland, perished in that terrible wreck. We 
have often thought of him, as he awoke from slum- 
ber, only to feel that he was going down, down, 
and that the great ocean was closing above him. 
We rejoice, however, that only his body went 
down ; for we know that his spirit went above. 
And thus the sea brings to us death. 

But is it not written, that " the sea shall give 
up the dead that are in it, and that Death and Hell 
shall be cast into the lake of fire?'' In heaven 
therefore, the daughters of music will not be 
brought low : nor desire fail because man goeth 
to his long home : nor mourners go about the 
streets : nor the silver cord be loosed : nor the 
golden bowl be broken : nor the pitcher broken at 
the fountain : nor the wheel broken at the cistern. 
There, there will be no gathering of friends at the 
bed-side, to be crushed with anguish at the depar- 
ture of one beloved : no struggling for breath, then 
a marble coldness : no damp wiped from the brow ; 
no eyes closed by the hands of another. There 
will be no tolling of bells ; no procession in black; 
no speaking of the words, "dust to dust." There 
will be no turning away, to leave a father, a mother, 
a brother, a sister, a husband, a wife, a child, or a 
dear friend to solitude and night ; no going back to 
the house with the awful feeling, that we have no 
more a home ; no strewing of flowers on fresh, 
green mounds. Thank God ! there will be no 
church-yards in heaven. No sea in heaven ; that 
is, no death. 

Now we love the grand, mysterious ocean. It is 
ever in our hearts to sing. " give me a home by 
the seal" "There is a rapture on the lonely 



LOVE TRUTHS FROM THE BIBLE. 191 

shore." "It is a mingling with the universe." 
Such are Byron's exclamations. And to us it 
seems not strange, that Ulysses was compelled to 
have himself lashed to his vessel's mast, in order 
to resist the spell of its siren song: but how 
much sorrow has it brought to earth ! For many 
a fond mother has grown weary with watching, and 
has lain down to her long rest, waiting in vain for 
her darling boy who years ago kissed her good-bye, 
and went out upon the tierce ocean. 

" The sea, the blue, lone sea hath one ; 
He lies where pearls lie deep. 
He was the loved of all, but none 
O'er his low bed may weep." 

And many a sad one by her lone rock by the sea, 
has watched, and prayed, and shed bitter tears 
upon the heartless waves at her feet, but will never 
again greet her rover's "swift sail home" te 1 
will be back before you know it, Annie, ' said 
Enoch Arden. He pressed her to his bosom, then 
his little Annie, and went away. She watched 
his sail, growing less and less in the distance, 
till it faded out of sight ; and then waited many 
weary years : and though the sea at last did 
bring him back, it had kept him too long ; and 
she never saw him again. Accordingly, we de- 
light to thiuk of heaven, as a sealess world : all 
separation, restlessness, fear, and death, gone forever: 
sweet companionship, peace, hope, and life, eter- 
nally continuing far beyond the reach of every de- 
structive influence. And all this because of Him, 
whom the sea obeyed ; who said to the sea, peace, 
be still ; and there was a great calm. 



192 LOVE TRUTHS FROM THE BIBLE. 

Jesus brought life and immortality to light 
through the gospel. He has gone to prepare a 
place, to make ready the many mansions, that 
where He is, His disciples may be also. Yes, to 
Jesus, and Jesus only do we owe our sweet hope of 
heaven. Heaven, that golden clime far beyond 
life's troubled ocean ! Heaven, on whose blissful 
shores no waves ever break ! Heaven, that land of 
love and loveliness ! Heaven, that paradise home, 
where the pure in heart are joined forever ! You 
and I have loved ones already there. We parted 
from them, as from our very life. The world has 
never seemed so fair and bright since they went 
away. Are we seeking for re-union in that better 
country ? Let us then be sure to take the home- 
ward way. Let us run with patience the race 
set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and 
finisher of our faith. Let us fight the good fight of 
faith, and sing the victor's song. Let us go forth, 
and accomplish the voyage, marked out for us on 
the sea of life : not as the disciple who began to 
sink because of unbelief; but with unwavering 
trust in God, that He will not let the waves and 
the billows go over us ; that He will direct our 
course aright ; that He will be our guide and refuge 
to the last : and be assured, He will then receive 
us to that haven of rest, where the sorrows of the 
sea are no more. 



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